Pocock's injury absence lengthens in Super Rugby

SYDNEY — Wallabies flanker David Pocock is returning from South Africa to Australia with an injured calf muscle that will keep him out of a sixth-straight Super Rugby match.

Pocock's ACT Brumbies, which beat the Stormers 19-17 in Cape Town Saturday in the first match of a South Africa tour, say the move is precautionary.

Pocock, who will be a key member of the Australia World Cup squad this year, has played only 138 minutes over three games this season. The team hopes the 30-year-old will be fit for the Brumbies' home match against the Auckland-based Blues on May 4.

Meanwhile, the career of Australia's oldest Super Rugby player, 38-year-old Brumbies hooker Joss Mann-Rea, may be over after he injured his knee against the Stormers.

Mann-Rea is returning home and back-up hooker Connal McInerney will join the team in Buenos Aires for their next match against Argentina.