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No citing for Wallabies' David Pocock after Scott Baldwin incident

Australia No.8 David Pocock has escaped a potential citing after images of him appearing to knee Wales hooker Scott Baldwin emerged on social media on Sunday.

Pocock is free to face Scotland on Sunday, providing he recovers from a calf injury, after World Rugby decided not to take action for the 10th minute incident.

Being held back by Baldwin at a breakdown, Pocock appeared to lift his right knee in attempt to free himself and in doing so made contact with Baldwin's stomach.

The Australian received a warning from citing commissioner Steve Hinds but avoided further punishment from World Rugby.

A suspension for in-form flanker Pocock would have dealt a huge blow to the Wallabies' hopes of lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy for a third time, particularly with Michael Hooper now free to reform their twin breakdown attack after sitting out the win over Wales with suspension himself.

Hooper, too, was caught in a social media trial of sorts during this year's Rugby Championship. The 23-year-old openside was cited as the window came to a close following an off-the-ball incident against Argentina in Mendoza.

Hooper was eventually suspended for one week but was free to play in the opening Bledisloe Cup clash in Sydney after he was selected in Manly Marlins' side for a Shute Shield finals match in Sydney; his naming among the reserves enough to fulfil the suspension requirements.