New Western Force flanker Chris Alcock will face a battle on two fronts when the 2013 Super Rugby season rolls about.
The first battle will come from within, where the former Waratah will have to fight tooth and nail for a starting spot in the Force’s talent-laden back row.
The second battle will come on the field, where he has the unenviable task of trying to fill the void left by departed skipper David Pocock.
Pocock’s defection to the Brumbies at the end of last season was a critical blow to the Force, who relied heavily on the 24-year-old’s heroic on-field displays and astute leadership.
Alcock played most of last season in the No.7 jersey for the Waratahs, before joining the Force on a two-year deal.
The 24-year-old knows it won’t be easy for him to lock down a starting berth next season.
The Force boast a glut of options in their back row, with past and present Wallabies Richard Brown, Matt Hodgson, Ben McCalman and Hugh McMeniman able to play various positions through there.
Alcock doesn’t mind the competition for spots, and said Pocock’s legacy wouldn’t add any extra pressure once he does get a run on the field.
“To be honest I’m not trying to fill Pocock’s shoes because I’m a different style of player to him,” Alcock said on Friday.
“I’m just going to come in and play my own game and hopefully make the jersey my own.
“I think Pocock’s always been a really top-notch over-the-ball kind of player, whereas I consider myself more of an allrounder.”
Alcock, who was born in South Africa, moved to Sydney when he was 10.
The 103kg openside flanker notched 25 games for the Waratahs over three seasons, but jumped at the chance to join new Force coach Michael Foley in making the move west.
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