Pair of ‘jackals’ ready for Fiji clash

BOSSING the breakdown has become a crucial part of modern rugby and Australia are unleashing two masters — Michael Hooper and David Pocock — in their World Cup opener against Fiji tomorrow.

The out-and-out openside flankers are first-rate “jackals” who will prey on the slightest mistake by Fiji captain Akapusi Qera and his counterparts in the loose.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika named Hooper at openside and Pocock at No 8, with rugged Scott Fardy filling in at blindside in an impressive back row for the pool A match at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

“It’s pretty hard not to pick one of them,” Cheika said of Pocock and Hooper, who has been described by many as the best centre in the back row given his additional slick distribution skills.

“The way they’ve played throughout the Super Rugby season and in the rugby internationals, together or separately, has forced the coach’s hand, and that’s exactly what you want from players.”

It is just the second game Hooper and Pocock will have started together, following a 27-19 win over the All Blacks in Sydney in August. “We’ve been training with several combinations and we are starting to feel more comfortable just getting out there, whatever position we’re in, and playing our structure,” said Pocock.

“I am very excited. I really enjoyed playing alongside Michael in the Rugby Championship, so hopefully we can make that partnership work.”

While the ball-seeking Pocock slots in at the back of the scrum, Cheika insisted that his selection there would not mean a seismic change in his abrasive playing style. “For him (Pocock), it’s mainly about the scrum control — he’s had a bit of a handle on that already,” the coach said.