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The concerning amount of time Pocock has spent on the sidelines in what is likely his final Super Rugby season

David Pocock of the Brumbies. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar admits it’s frustrating after David Pocock’s injury return was delayed for at least another two weeks.

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Wallabies star Pocock hasn’t played in the last six games as he nurses a calf injury and he will miss the Brumbies’ crunch Super Rugby clash against the Blues in Canberra on Saturday.

The flanker has been on the park for just 138 minutes in three appearances through 11 rounds this season, and has played more Tests than Super Rugby games in the past two years.

Pocock, 31, is likely playing his final Super Rugby season and the latest setback means he may only have three Super Rugby games in Australia left.

“It’s no more frustrating for me than it is for David,” McKellar said.

“He’s pushing hard and wants to make a contribution on field and it’s been a disappointing few weeks for him.

“We’ve made progress but he’s just not right so he’s another week or two away.

“There is light at the end o f the tunnel but I can’t give you an exact date. I’d love to.

“Hopefully we’ll see him in Brumbies colours sooner rather than later.”

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It’s a tough blow for the Brumbies who are back in Canberra following a gruelling tour of South Africa and Argentina.

But if they secure a bonus-point win against the Blues and results fall their way, they can go top of the Australian conference this weekend.

Sam Whitelock re-signs with NZR:

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Nickers 36 minutes ago
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I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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