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England’s Sam Underhill walks the ball during the second test against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday.
England loose forward Sam Underhill has become the third member of the squad to be withdrawn from the Australian series due to a concussion.
Head coach Eddie Jones faces a potential shortage of backrowers for Saturday’s decider at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Underhill joins standout lock Maro Itoje and first-choice openside flanker Tom Curry, who have also been banned from the series after headbutts.
Underhill started on openside in the 25-17 victory in Brisbane on Saturday instead of Curry, who returned home after suffering a concussion in the 30-28 first test loss in Perth.
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Itoje was also headbutted in the test in Brisbane and has already been ruled out of the third test.
England said the trio would not be replaced.
David Rogers/Getty Images
Sam Underhill will no longer play a part in the English tour of Australia after a concussion in the second Test.
Wasp winger Jack Willis is also in doubt after he had to withdraw from England substitutes in Brisbane due to a rib injury.
Lewis Ludlam came off the bench in the first two tests and looks like the most likely starter in the number 7 jersey on Saturday.
Five players have so far been ruled out due to concussions, with Australians Jordan Petaia and Allan Alaalatoa also unavailable.