Pocock’s honour as Wallabies’ new skip

MICHAEL Hooper’s withdrawal wasn’t exactly music to the ears of David Pocock, though the industrious loose forward has embraced taking over the captaincy for the Wallabies’ Test with Argentina.

Yet again the Wallabies have had to deal with late disruptions to their line-up following Pocock (neck), Israel Folau (ankle) and new father Adam Coleman pulling out of the team to face South Africa last Saturday.

“You’ve got to share the load,” Pocock said.

Getting in sync after losing personnel has been a theme throughout the Rugby Championship, with coach Michael Cheika having to make unexpected changes in three of their four games.

Before last weekend’s trio pulled out, impact prop Taniela Tupou was also a lastminute withdrawal from the series-opening loss to NZ in Sydney because of a hamstring strain. The quartet are back in the side to face the Pumas, though Folau is on the wing.

Pocock captains the side for the first time since 2016 and though he described it as a huge honour, the on-field leadership was not just his responsibility. He said “different leaders in different areas” will simplify his task. Pocock also felt with disruptions becoming the norm in 2018, they might actually benefit Cheika’s side.

“I think it does. It forces you to adapt and one of the things Cheik has done really well is bring in a bunch of new talent.”