Brumbies flanker Jarrad Butler is the man getting in the way of Super Rugby’s most eagerly awaited match-up – and he couldn’t care less.
David Pocock v Michael Hooper.
It’s an epic No.7 showdown sure to speed up Allianz Stadium’s ticket-gate turnstiles when the Brumbies take on the NSW Waratahs on Sunday.
The only problem is that Butler’s red-hot form for the Brumbies means Pocock will have to make his return to the paddock from an ankle injury off the bench.
While Butler credits Pocock in helping him cut it as a Super Rugby backrower, he’s not overly keen to give the “best flanker in the world” his No.7 jersey back without a fight.
“It’s not fun being on the bench. But what can you do? Just keep playing well,” Butler said.
So well has Butler been playing that he’s caught the eye of Wallabies and Waratahs coach Michael Cheika, who earlier this week declared him a shock candidate for the Wallabies’ back row for the Rugby World Cup.
“Yeah, that was really positive. I was really happy about that,” the 23-year-old said.
Butler, Pocock and Hooper all have very different styles as No.7s, which will make Sunday afternoon’s clash all the more interesting.
“I definitely don’t offer what Poey offers. He’s one of the best pilferers in the game,” the Wellington-born flanker said.
“And Hooper is very dynamic with ball carries.
“But I’m not here to compare myself, I’m just going to work hard.”
Pocock, who was injured for the majority of the 2014 season with a second straight ACL knee injury, spent a lot of his rehab time helping build Butler up to the player he is today.
In fact, it was the Wallabies star’s tutelage that persuaded Butler to come to the Brumbies from the Queensland Reds in 2014.
“I knew he’d be really helpful and that’s been the case,” Butler said.
In all likelihood, Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham will inject Pocock back into the starting line-up in the weeks ahead.
There is room for both players, as Butler played alongside Pocock as a No.8 in round one.
But with Ita Vaea now storming around the paddock in his inspirational comeback and Fotu Auelua also back soon, Butler knows he’s in for a fight.
“It will be a week to week thing,” Butler said.
“I’m just going to keep making it hard on Bernie (Larkham).”
Nigel Imrie
Guest
Who are the backrowers likely to travel to RWC, Hooper, Fardy, Higginbotham, McCalman and Pocock/Butler/Vaea/Palu ? If five backrowers are to be considered who will miss out? Luke Jones and Fardy can both play six and lock. What a dilemma. Hooper is first choice or is he? The Brumby backrow and lock combination or for that matter the entire scrum could and should with the exception of Alexander and Sio for Slipper and Kefu with the former sitting on the bench be the Wallaby starting Pigs. Butler good enough to start and he will prove that this arvo, Vaea will make Palu look pedestrian also. Bring it on, it is a Wallaby trial for both players and coaches. Larkham for new Wallaby coach!!
RobC
Roar Guru
I think Lelo is a better attacker. He can run straight just like Toomua, and also create opportunities. 1st match against Reds he did a good job. But was less about Toomua and more about the pack (on both sides)
Not Bothered
Guest
Butler is a real chance to go to the WC. He is in outstanding form and has utility value. I imagine they will take 5 backrowers and he could be one of them. Unless he choses to rep NZ because thats where hes from.
Not Bothered
Guest
Pffft. He left in 2013. Reminds me of the Deans fiasco where anything that could possibly be twisted into some kind of attack on him was used and then after he was gone results didnt improve, they got far worse.
Iwillnotstandby
Guest
Christian and matt are fairly interchangeable. You look at how Toomua went in the first match against the Reds. IMO better to have him closer to White. Brumbies are getting some good depth all over the park. Unlocked for benefits of a season plagued by injuries.
kombiutedriver
Guest
Yep yep yep .......... Notice that Jonah Placid started at 15 for the Rebels last night as well. Says a lot about Richard Graham as a coach.
Bakkies
Guest
Sean Doyle is another good 7 in the squad
RobC
Roar Guru
Last week, Lelo ran the show when the Brumbies pulled away on the scoreboard - despite the kicking woes I wonder if the Brumbies should start looking at a swap with Toomua. Will also bolster their midfield D
Mike
Guest
good to see that Richard Graham's retention policy is working so well...