How would the Wallabies loose forwards stack up without David Pocock?
It’s now been over two and a half months since David Pocock has taken the field for the Brumbies. He’s managed to play just 138 minutes of rugby in 2019.
It was initially a head knock which ejected the flanker from the Brumbies’ match with the Rebels way back in March.
Since then, there’s been a number of set-backs – some related to the initial knock, some related to a thigh issue, and some related to Pocock’s ongoing neck problems. In short, it’s a miracle that Pocock’s body is even holding itself together.
Pocock travelled to South Africa and Argentina in April with the Brumbies in a tour that was initially slated to mark the Zimbabwe-born flanker’s return. Pocock was ruled out of both matches, however.
Coach Dan McKellar has now confirmed that Pocock is unlikely to play any further part in the Brumbies’ Super Rugby season – which could amount to another six weeks of matches.
It will be an amazing achievement if Pocock even makes the Wallabies World Cup squad at this rate, given the number of injuries the man seems to be dealing with.
If Pocock is unable to play, it will be an absolute travesty for the player that some consider to be the best openside flanker in the world.
Pocock’s importance to the Australian national side can’t be overstated. He’s been nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year three times, with two of those nominations coming during the previous two World Cup years. Pocock has also won the John Eales Medal twice – an award that recognises Australia’s player of the season. He most recently won the award in 2018, highlighting that Pocock’s skills and ability have not declined with age nor injury.
The Wallabies already have one of the top flankers in the world on their team sheet in the form of Michael Hooper. Whilst Hooper and Pocock both play with the 7 jersey on their backs for their Super Rugby teams, they perform considerably different roles on the field. Michael Cheika has resorted to using both men on the pitch at the same time – simply because they are two of Australia’s most influential players.
That’s not to suggest that Australia can’t win without David Pocock; they’ve managed plenty of victories over the years in Pocock’s absence. The Wallabies, however, are a different beast when Pocock lines up.
The loose forwards are possibly where Australia are actually strongest, heading into the upcoming World Cup.
Hooper is one of the most multi-faceted players in the world; equally as superb in the breakdowns as he is in the open field. Cheika will select loose forwards in his squad that complement the strengths and weaknesses of Hooper and, if he’s fit, Pocock.
Lack of height a major weakness
On last year’s northern tour, the Wallabies used three others loose forwards alongside the two opensiders: Jack Dempsey and Pete Samu travelled as utility loosies who could both cover blindside flanker and number 8 while Ned Hanigan could be used in either the second or third rows.
Waratah Dempsey started the final three matches of the tour in the 6 jersey, but his selection in the starting line-up shouldn’t be taken as a guarantee.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (formally known as Lukhan Tui) was Cheika’s preferred blindside flanker during 2018’s Rugby Championship. The 6’6” Queenslander normally plays at lock for the Reds but Cheika has wisely opted to add extra height to his backrow in recent times due to Hooper and Pocock’s lack of aerial game.
Salakaia-Loto’s stepfather passed away towards the end of the competition and the New Zealand-born second-rower decided that he needed to spend some extra time with his family. He withdrew from the Wallabies squad and made himself unavailable for the tour to Europe. Although there’s been no confirmation one way or the other, it’s expected that Salakaia-Loto will be recalled to the squad for 2019. The 22-year-old has been slowly returning to form for the Reds and has started to peak at the perfect time.
One other player that could join the squad in a fulltime role is Rebels number 8 Isi Naisarani. Naisarani travelled to Europe at the end of 2018 but was not eligible for selection at the time. He has been one of the form loose-forwards in Super Rugby for a number of seasons and although he’s yet to play international football, he’s now experienced enough at Super Rugby level to make the step up in a World Cup year.
The Wallabies selectors will likely opt for five or six loose-forwards in the squad that they take to the World Cup. Hooper is probably the first name on the team sheet and will start all the important matches in the 7 jersey. If Pocock is fit, he will also be a guaranteed selection – but it’s looking increasingly likely that won’t be the case.
There are a number of loose forwards doing the rounds in Super Rugby for the Australian sides who are performing well, including the likes of Lachlan McCaffrey at the Brumbies and Luke Jones at the Rebels, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that Cheika will likely opt for the players that have served him well in recent times. There are certainly a few chinks in the Wallabies armour that their opposition will look to exploit, but the loose forwards is not one of them – Cheika doesn’t need to be attempting anything revolutionary in 2019.
Given the above, it would be hard to go past a trio of Dempsey, Hooper and Naisarani with Salakai-Loto on the bench covering both lock and blindside flanker. Pocock’s potential absence would require an extra fetcher – at that’s where things get tricky.
Lack of openside fall-backs
Outside of Hooper and Pocock, there are no internationally capped openside flankers doing the rounds in Super Rugby for Australia. Jahrome Brown has done the job for the Brumbies in Pocock’s absence but he’s far too wet behind the ears to play for the Wallabies just yet. The Reds have young Liam Wright on their books but he too is still very young. Wright travelled to Europe with the Wallabies in 2017 but a World Cup is a big step up from being a touring squad member.
The most likely player to be brought into the team in Pocock’s absence would likely be Rebels flanker Angus Cottrell. Cottrell spent his formative years on the blindside but he’s been performing well for the Melbourne team in 2019 on the openside – and he’s got plenty of experience at Super Rugby level.
Wallabies legend George Smith only recently announced his retirement – what wouldn’t Michael Cheika give to have the Australian centurion available for the World Cup? While there’s slim chance of it happening, Smith would be an excellent replacement for Pocock.
Australia has always been blessed with loose forwards. The Wallabies certainly have a number of weaknesses that they will struggle to overcome in 2019, but as per usual, they’re well stocked in the 6, 7 and 8 jerseys. Should Pocock be unavailable for selection then the Wallabies will lose one of their most experienced and most talented players, but they will still be more than capable of fielding a formidable trio in his absence.
Comments on RugbyPass
Good on Clarke for taking on the criticism and addressing his deficiencies, principally his laziness.
2 Go to comments“It is the people’s favourite against the actual favourite. It is the people’s champions against the actual champions. I’m joking, but it’s going to be a fantastic series.” Why did Darcy make that joke knowing it would be used as click bait? Why did RP headline it as a serious comment? Anyway, the tired comment isn’t very astute. SA players may have played more games etc. Darcy over estimated as a pundit.
21 Go to commentsNot sure Frisch will ever make the French team with Depoortère and Costes waiting in the wings to take over from Danty and Fickou.
1 Go to commentsThe Irish are tired and the Boks are old. The test series won't confirm who is best in the world, it will confirm which team needs to pursue the task of rebuilding with the most urgency.
21 Go to commentsGrant, the first time I have seen an article written by you. Maybe I have missed your previous stuff. These days all professional players effectively play a common season so all top players are equally tired, or rested. That is the job of the coaching ticket to build squad depth and juggle resources so players are ‘ fresh’ when the big games come. Possibly Ireland are less inclined to juggle squad compared to Rassie, who is prepared to take the risk to rest players as well as build depth throughout the year so come WC he has a full squad, experienced and rested enough to win 7 games. After all, to win WC you need to get through the tournament and then win the final big 3 games. Ireland should try and build a bit so come final 3 they are ready. So far only played final 1(QF). I am so looking forward to the Irish tour. Hopefully Rassie has enough time to align his guys, as he draws them from across the globe, and not from 2 sides locally( eg Leinster, Munster). No excuses, going to be exciting.
21 Go to commentsIn football, teams get fined and sometimes docked points for deliberately fielding weakened teams yet Leinster can pretty much do as they please with no comebacks. Could it be because Ireland run the URC? Could it be that Ireland run the ERC? Whichever it is, it stinks!!
6 Go to commentsIreland are only the People’s Champions in Irish eyes. The rest of the world do not care for them very much because of attitudes of people like Gordon, Ferris, Best, Jackman…I could go on!!
21 Go to commentsNot sure how Karl Dickson can ever ref a Quins game, he played for the club for 8 years as understudy to Care and is still close friends with half the team
3 Go to commentsAre bookies taking bets on how many times Vunipola's eventual statement will use the term “elders"? My money is on at least 4 times.
4 Go to commentsSo Ireland will be tired, despite having the most rested test squad in the world. They only play tests, champions cup and urc play off games ffs! Case in point; Leinster sent a B squad to SA for their last two games while their first xv rested up and trained at their leisure for the sf vs Saints at the so called ‘neutral venue’ of Croke Park. So tired? Do me a favour… And as for “people’s champions”? Seriously??? Outside of Ireland they are respected for their ability to win 6N. And of course plenty of inconsequential test friendlies without any real pressure. WC ko games when the pressure is white hot? Not so much…
21 Go to commentsSurprising how standing down or benching a player can do wonders for their motivation. Several players this week in that category.
2 Go to commentsHaha lads lads lads, that’s how you have a holiday In Majorca
4 Go to commentshit on Lynagh was defo late and card-worthy. The other 2 are bang on OK. Hurts you at Test level if youre timing is off and the nostrils are flared. Jerry C knew when to lean in on one, Finau just needs to keep his discipline and head straight.
7 Go to commentsSlade was exceptional against Gloucester. Not only was he doing the classic Slade stuff of running amazing lines and timing passes to perfection to put his wingers into space, he was kicking goals, flying off the line smashing people and crashing into rucks like a flanker… his hair even looked on point. 😍
1 Go to commentsThat’s really sad, hope everyone involved is ok. At least he had pants on.
4 Go to commentsTo be fair it was nowhere bear the Leinster first team (for which, btw, Leinster copped nothing like the outrage that Jake White did for sending a rotated team to the UK). But it’s fun to watch the Stormers doing their thing. They are attracting big, diverse crowds of young fans, and deservedly so. Great to see.
1 Go to commentsIt might be legal but he’s sailing pretty close to the wind. Not a lot needs to go wrong for Finau to end up in the bin. Was it late? Not quite, but borderline. High? A couple of CM within the laws, no room for error with that one. Did he wrap the arms? There was a token effort to wrap one arm, the intent was clearly to hit with the shoulder. So yeah, it’s legal, just. But as we all know, a very slight change in the dynamics could easily have him seeing red. Hopefully not when it really matters.
7 Go to commentsCan we also show some love for Tane Edmed’s fantastic draw and pass? Put his body on the line and committed the defender before letting go of that pass. Flawless skill.
7 Go to commentsYou forget this is Rassie Erasmus who is still holding the Springbok keys. Even with Felix Jones orchestrating a really tight RWC SF last year. It still wasn't enough to get England past their particular Springbok Monkey in world cups. The reason is FJ was going off of what they did in 2019 not necessarily adapting to current Springboks. So yes, Australia can get passed England because let's be honest, England have a one track strategy, Springboks do not. Even with rush defense I wouldn't be surprised if Rassie continually tweaks it. Also bear in mind Rassie is happy to sacrifice a few mid year and inter World Cup matches to pin point how opposition plays and how to again tweak strategies to get his Springboks in peak performance for the next World Cup. As much as most teams like to win games in front of them and try to win everything, Rassie always makes sure to learn and train for the greatest showdown International Rugby has to offer. Tbh, most people remember World Cup wins and ignore intermediate losses as a result but will remember also WC losses, Ireland, even if they won games in the interim. So even if games are won against the Springboks, it's likely Rassie is just getting a feel for how opposition is moving and adapt accordingly…in time. For Rassie, a loss is never a loss because he uses it as a chance to learn and improve. Sometimes during a game, again like the England match in last year's Semi Final.
7 Go to commentsDanny don't care. He pretends to care but he don't. He says all this stuff to justify his reasoning but no one can claim that legitimately. He knew exactly what he was doing and wondered if his old team mate would overlook it, which he did. Ref has got to be sidelined or properly trained. It's one thing for refs to move up the ranks but if it was me I would require refs to either have played in different clubs or not at all having the temptation to bias in high stakes games like this. This has got to be stamped out. But then again World Rugby is so destroying the game of rugby in an attempt to be more “safe” and “concussion free”. What they are doing is making it more infuriating for the fans and more difficult for the refs to officiate evenly and consistently. It's fast become Australian Rules football. If guys don't want concussions, they should have played chess. Stop complaining you oldies of the game. When they played the game was vastly heavier hitting than it is now but of course they can't see that.
3 Go to comments