Australia rugby squad struck by sickness bug ahead of England Test

Australia's preparations for the match against England on Saturday have been disrupted by a stomach bug that has affected several players including Bernard Foley and Israel Folau.

The pair did not train yesterday, troubled by the bug that the squad picked up last week. Folau played through it in the 26-7 win over Italy and some players have separated from the squad in the team hotel in Teddington.

Australia are still sweating on the fitness of back-rower David Pocock but were due to assess his neck injury this afternoon. Eddie Jones yesterday said he thought Pocock, injured in Italy, would play against England at Twickenham but his absence would be keenly felt by the Australians.

The 30-year-old is part of an unusual Australian back row that pairs two traditional No7s, in Pocock and Michael Hooper, but has Pocock at No8.

Pocock suffered a neck injury against New Zealand in the summer and was unable to play against South Africa a fortnight later.

He could be struggling for the weekend as Australia bid to arrest a five-match losing streak against England. Pete Samu is potentially the replacement for Pocock and is in the Australian fold after two years playing for the Crusaders in New Zealand.