Brumbies skipper Ben Mowen has put the Hurricanes on notice, saying his side will use star Wallabies flanker David Pocock’s devastating season-ending injury as a catalyst to spark an extra special Super Rugby performance.
And while Mowen was hesitant to discuss any possible squad replacements for Pocock until after Friday’s clash, he admitted veteran Wallabies champion George Smith’s name would be in the mix.
Pocock went down late in Saturday’s win over the Western Force in Perth and an arthroscopy on Wednesday confirmed he had re-ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
The champion No.7 then underwent a full reconstruction on his left knee – the same surgery he had last season after rupturing his ACL in round four of the Super Rugby competition that forced him to be sidelined for the rest of 2013.
“Devastated but trying to keep perspective. So appreciative of all the support I’ve received. Thank you all,” Pocock tweeted on Wednesday evening.
However rather than be distracted by the disappointing news, Mowen said his side would use it as motivation in Wellington.
“We’re going to speak as a group and make sure this performance is a pretty special one,” Mowen told AAP.
“If you lose a guy like that, you want to make sure he knows how much he means to the boys.”
Pocock’s injury leaves the Brumbies with the almost impossible task of finding an equally talented replacement.
One option doing the rounds is 111-Test legend Smith, who replaced Pocock in sensational fashion last year to help take the Brumbies to the Super Rugby final.
Smith returns to Australia next week after wrapping up duties in Japan with Suntory Sungoliath.
He intends to take a hard-earned break with his family until May, before flying to France to join division two club Lyon on a two-year deal ahead of the season’s September kick-off.
Mowen said Smith’s name would definitely pop up among the coaching staff.
“Whether that’s a realistic choice or not, I don’t know,” Mowen said.
“But for a guy who came back and performed so well for the side last year, I’m sure that’s an option.
“He may or may not have other priorities, so we’ve just got to see how all that unfolds.”
Smith’s management on Wednesday said they’d advise him to take a hard-earned break instead of playing for the ACT franchise, but admitted the Brumbies legend was “his own man” who made his own decisions.
In the meantime, it’s expected former Reds back-rower Jarrad Butler will be handed the Brumbies No.7 jersey for the Hurricanes clash.
Kane
Guest
At least the brumbies are getting their moneys worth in inspiration
Markus
Guest
I think it may just be a Colby Faingaa decision. He'd been with the Brumbies for four seasons, behind Smith then Pocock and had an unfortunate preseason injury that also saw him fall behind Hooper in his potential breakout year. I think he also said that as well as looking for starting game time, part of his one-year contract with the Rebels was to sync his contract schedule up with all the other opensides in Australia. With Mowen leaving, Pocock needing a 2nd knee reco in 2 years, and Fardy and Auelua now passing 30 years old, Colby may even be back at the Brumbies as soon as next year. Then again, he may prove a revelation at the Rebels, and decide to stay.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
I fully expected Pocock to get injured at some point during the season, the bloke has that sort of luck. I've been ranting about them letting Colby go to anyone who would listen, since it happened.
Sportymarty
Guest
In all fairness, the Brumbies got Pocock, which they did not expect, and then GS turned up, it was not like the Brumbies were going to tell Pocock or GS to go away cause they believed in Colby. Colby is a fine player, but lets be real here, Name me another number 7 in the world that the Brumbies could get that was better than Pocock or GS? Colby was smart in getting a start at the Rebels, cause he knew that he was second in place after Pocock. And noone would have expected for Pocock to do his ACL again..... tough tough luck. I just wish there was so many 19 years old that are just waiting to get a start and succeed, though GS was a freak of nature to be honest.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
Colby will be back, still can't believe they let him go to the rebels. Looks real smart now doesn't it. Just guessing, but I'd say that was a Jake White decision. He's a South African, he believes your 7 should be a giant or at least as big as Ita Vaea.
Charles Plowdog
Guest
I urge the Brumbies not to seek out George Smith but rather to look to the future. I love George and he has been a great player for both the Brumbies and Australia but having him short term and awaiting David Pocock's return in 2016 is not helpful. Wouldn't all Brumby supporters be happy if Colby Faiinga was available this year. But no doubt he left because by their actions it was implied he wasn't good enough. Find some exciting young player and give him a go as they did with George when he started as a 19 yr old.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
Feels wrong to call on GS again, the bloke deserves a rest. Having said that, hope he can't resist the urge to win one more title.
Sportym
Guest
Gutted for Pocock! Really gutted, he is such a legend and gentleman! If George Smith were to once again come in and play for the Brumbies I can see them being finals contenders. The whole team would lift if George took one for the team and put on the Brumbies jersey once more. Being he brumbies and George smith I can see it happening again, even though logic suggests he should rest..... Smith is amazing. My dream was to see smith and pocock both on the field for the brumbies!!! Do it George..... !!!!!!!!