Pocock happy with combination
WALLABY openside flanker David Pocock has come to the defence of teammate Michael Hooper ahead of Saturday’s clash with South Africa at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Pocock is happy to leave Test selection to the coaches, but there is one thing that he’d like to change about his combination with Hooper when they meet the Springboks.
The duo were two of the chief weapons in a dream 2015, a pairing that Australia had its first glimpse of late in the Wallabies’ Test against the Springboks last season, but “Pooper” Pocock has come under fire in recent weeks.
Lineout issues against the All Blacks renewed calls to select a more traditional number eight to add more height to the backrow, but Pocock said they couldn’t be distracted by that.
“I’ve really enjoyed playing alongside Hoops (but) I think he’s probably got a lot of my John Eales Medal votes,” he laughed.
“I feel like he gets through a huge amount of work and really contributes and he’s a real leader within the team. I mean we’ll leave those comments and speculation to others.
“For us as players, we’re trying to improve that combination and get out there and be the best back row we can, individually and as a group.”
Asked on Monday whether teams were moving away from the over-the-ball type flankers, of which he is the ultimate prototype, Pocock said there was still a place for pilferers and the need goes beyond the back row.
“I think most teams are still looking to have that on the ball presence. A lot of players across the field are starting to get a lot better at it – a few props, hookers, some of the outside backs.
“When we played against England, they had a number of guys who were getting good turnovers against us, the All Blacks pressure the ball with their second rowers and Sam Cane’s pretty handy in that area too.
“So, I think there’s still definitely a role for it – a lot of it depends on the amount of space that the opposition team gives in that area.”
The Springboks have their own back row selection issues for Saturday night, debating between Francois Louw and Jaco Kriel.
Louw was a near man-ofthe-match the last time the teams met, but Kriel has been putting pressure on the veteran in recent weeks and Pocock said they’d be wary of either as a starter.
“I think they’re both outstanding,” he said. “I think their timing’s really good and they’re big guys so they’re pretty hard to move once they get on to the ball.
“I guess that’s up to their coaches as to who they think’s going to be better against us but both are really big threats.”
Meanwhile, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has named a 33-man squad for the upcoming Tests against South Africa and Argentina in Brisbane and Perth respectively.
Five new faces have been welcomed into the squad with Henry Speight back in the fold after travelling to Rio de Janeiro as part Australia’s rugby sevens Olympic campaign, while Sefa Naivalu will train with the team before becoming eligible for the Wallabies on September 18.
Brumbies and UC Vikings lock Rory Arnold has overcome an elbow injury and will join the squad after two strong displays in the National Rugby Championship, while Luke Morahan has earned a recall with some impressive form for Perth Spirit.
Having already had seven debutants this year, Cheika has named a further four uncapped players in the squad with Kyle Godwin, Lopeti Timani, Tom Robertson and Naivalu looking to pull on the Gold jersey.
Wallabies veteran Adam Ashley-Cooper has returned to Bordeaux for the 2016/17 Top 14 season, after racking up his 116th Test in last weekend’s defeat to the All Blacks in Wellington.
Fellow French-based stars Drew Mitchell and Will Genia will remain with the squad despite the commencement of club duties for Toulon and Stade Francais respectively.
Matt Giteau, Matt Toomua, Rob Horne and Ben McCalman were not considered for the squad because of injury.
The Wallabies continue their Rugby Championship campaign against South Africa in Brisbane, on Saturday, before taking on Argentina in Perth on Saturday, September 17.
Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Quade Cooper, Kane Douglas, Scott Fardy, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Kyle Godwin, James Hanson, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Michael Hooper, Sekope Kepu, Samu Kerevi, Tevita Kuridrani, Sean McMahon, Drew Mitchell, Stephen Moore (capt), Luke Morahan, Dean Mumm, Sefa Naivalu, Nick Phipps, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, Will Skelton, Henry Speight, James Slipper, Lopeti Timani. – ANA