Wallabies boss reveals Simmons axed, not injured

Melbourne: Wallabies coach Michael Cheika revealed Friday that lineout general Rob Simmons was axed and not injured as he searches for ways to keep the three-match England series alive.

Simmons, a 61-Test veteran, went off with a back problem early in last week’s 39-28 loss to the Six Nations champions in Brisbane.

But Cheika said: “He (Simmons) was available this week.

“Any player that’s left out is not happy, obviously. But that’s the challenge for him, to improve and get his spot back.”

Sam Carter was chosen instead.