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Subdued performances from David Pocock and Michael Hooper could force a change for the Wallabies

By Online Editors
Michael Hooper and David Pocock (Getty Images)

The Wallabies believe their twin jackal approach to winning the Rugby World Cup is being stripped of its potency, casting some doubt over the ongoing selection of David Pocock.

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Captain Michael Hooper and Pocock’s combination is regarded as Australia’s biggest point of difference in Japan, with the openside flankers proven masters at turning over breakdown possession.

However, the ‘Pooper’ pairing has barely made an impact on the ground through the first two games.

Pocock was penalised three times at the breakdown during the opening win over Fiji, with coach Michael Cheika later accusing match officials of focusing too heavily on the champion forward.

There were no clean turnovers in the loss to Wales although Pocock did appear to force one penalty when he got his hands to the ball held by a tackled player.

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Hooker Tolu Latu, himself a proven breakdown jackal, conceded the Wallabies will consider chasing less turnovers, such is the degree of difficulty.

“Yeah, it’s really hard. Even ‘Poey’ is struggling to get on the ball as well and he is one of the best at it,” Latu said ahead of Saturday’s match against Uruguay in Oita.

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“The game is so quick that you don’t really have much time to get into the ruck and get on the ball and it seems like refs are not really giving much penalties away at ruck time to the person pilfering. You’ve just got to leave it.”

Referees in Japan have allowed tackled players greater leeway to hold onto the ball, which can have the effect of creating a greater attacking spectacle.

Officials are also largely ignoring side entry at rucks, which is a penalty offence. Those players can effectively clean out the likes of Pocock and Hooper before they get a firm hold on possession.

“You have to survive probably two cleanouts. And it’s a fair bit of time to be in there,” Latu said.

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“It’s probably better to be in the (defence) line and getting your line sorted so that you can get up and make tackles.”

A change of Australian tactics could also prompt a selection re-think.

Hooper has been among Australia’s best all year while No.8 Isi Naisarani has shown glimpses of his ball-carrying qualities in both World Cup games, leaving Pocock’s place open for scrutiny.

Powerhouse blindside flanker Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has been used off the bench in Japan but was an influential performer before the World Cup, playing 80 minutes in all five Tests.

He would boost the pack’s physicality as well its lineout prowess.

Latu warned Pocock shouldn’t be written off as a breakdown force and expected him to keep growing into his game after sitting out six months this year with a calf injury.

“I am sure he will come back this weekend and prove me wrong and probably get six turnovers,” he said.

Welsh fans are understandably optimistic after their strong showing against Australia:

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Trevor 1 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 5 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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