Big plus for Wallabies as Pocock makes his return
DAVID Pocock insists the Wallabies are in prime shape to win a first Webb Ellis Cup for 20 years after they signed off their tournament preparations by seeing off a battling Samoa.
The 31-year-old flanker, who announced prior to the game that he is retiring after the World Cup, helped Australia run in six tries and defy a potential fightback in Sydney.
It was not all plane sailing and positivity for the hosts who surged into a 22-3 half-time lead but were outscored in the second by a resurgent Samoa who picked themselves up after losing scrum-half Scott Melolua to a shoulder injury which may rule him out of the World Cup.
His replacement, Dwayne Polataivao, ran in two tries but the home side finished the stronger for a comfortable win in the end.
Pocock, who captained the side in his first match since March, said: “We’re feeling good and are excited about getting over to Japan and doing the best we can.
“We are in good shape and building some momentum. It’s going to be a great challenge but we will be going there with confidence that we can go all the way.
“You never know what the side will look like but the coach will make up his mind after we get into camp in Japan and see how well the guys are doing.
“This was a tough game – there were some big hits – but it was enjoyable. We wanted to finish our preparation on a strong note.”
Michael Cheika’s men grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck with new London Irish lock Adam Coleman diving over for the opening try. Powerful wing Marika Korobeite weaved his way past some weak tackling for a stunning second try in the left-hand corner.
The visitors had a try disallowed for an off-the-ball tackle on Pocock by prop Jordan Lay but Tusi Pisi kicked the penalty from Samoa’s earlier advantage.
Matt Toomua’s grubber bounced perfectly for Adam Ashley-Cooper to gather and dive across for the third try, and flanker Lukhan Salakaia-Loto powered over for another score.
Melolua was helped off the field with a serious right shoulder injury on the stroke of half-time. However, his replacement, Polataivao, plus a new front row, helped the visitors burst into life.
Polataivao raced clear after the ball was moved swiftly right from the back of the set-piece, and then finished off a fine move instigated by Ahsee Tuala’s strong break.
But further Wallaby tries from Dane Haylett-Petty and Toomua prevented any potential shock.