Wallabies star David Pocock has been ruled out of Saturday’s Test against England after failing a fitness on Friday.

Pocock has been struggling with a neck injury, but was originally named in the match-day squad, with coach Michael Cheika suggesting he was confident that the No 8 would be able to start.

However, it was confirmed on Friday that Pocock has had to be withdrawn from the team.

Pete Samu will now slot into the No 8 position, with Marika Koroibete to join backs Nick Phipps and Sefa Naivalu on a 5-3 bench.

Wallabies – 15 Israel Folau, 14 Dane Haylett-Petty, 13 Samu Kerevi, 12 Bernard Foley, 11 Jack Maddocks, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Will Genia, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Jack Dempsey, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Tolu Latu, 1 Scott Sio.
Subs: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Jermaine Ainsley, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Rob Simmons, 20 Ned Hanigan, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Sefa Naivalu, 23 Marika Koroibete.

Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images