Wallabies lock Rob Simmons will miss this Saturday’s Rugby Championship decider and next week’s Auckland Bledisloe Cup Test after being ruled out with a scaphoid injury.
 
Simmons will undergo surgery tomorrow in Brisbane and is expected to make a full recovery before the Wallabies take on the USA in Chicago next month.
 
Wallabies Coach Michael Cheika was disappointed to lose the veteran of 52 Tests, but said it would provide great competition for other locks to press their claims for selection.
 
“Obviously we’re all disappointed to lose Rob,” said Cheika. “However, we’re confident he will make a full recovery ahead of Rugby World Cup.”
 
“We’ve been able to build some real depth in the lock position, and Rob’s injury presents an opportunity for another player in the squad to stake their claim.”
 
No additional player will be called into the Wallabies squad for this Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks, with the team to be named later in the week.