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.
Nick
Guest
Alcock is the Force's best option at 8 in my opinion.
Blue Blood
Guest
Agreed. Pocock is an awesome player but he is not captain material. He is not half the communicator or either Sharpe or Hodgson. I also think that it would be hard for many people to relate to Pocock. Hodgson on the other hand is an old school battler. He knows what it's like to build a long career on hard work and persistence. Pocock is gifted and was playing Super rugby as a 17yo and was soon in the Wallabies. Not many get that career path. Hodgo is a man's man and a tale of consistent hard work and club man ethos. Plus he has more personality in his toe than Pocock. Ok enough Hodgo man love for one day. I love having Alcock in the squad for depth but I'm hoping Hodgo rips in and dominates this year.
Blue Blood
Guest
Hear, hear. But great to have depth and the ability to have a quality 7 in the squad should injury occur or to provide rotation for Hodgson. Although the man (Hodgo) is one of the fitness work horses I've ever seen. He does 80 minutes hard graft every game, all season long. Not many forwards can deliver his work load and work rate better all season long. He's going to be formidable this season. After having his first real break from rugby due to his two recons he'll be coming off his first full preseason in years. This is going to be great to watch.
Crazy Horse
Guest
Sharpie was always the real Captain of the Force whatever the team list said.
the old man of rugby
Guest
Yes Pocock was a loss but I like the additions to the squad and competition for all spots will be healthy but surely Matt Hodgson is the number one choice at 7. Can cover all positions but has always performed at top level in the 7 jersey. Alcock looking at 19 at best. You mention astute leadership. If you looked closely at last year Pocock relied heavily on players like Sharpe and Hodgson when making decisions.