David Pocock could return from injury against the All Blacks as Michael Cheika contemplates more changes following his side’s defeat of Argentina.
David Pocock will push his case for a return in Perth’s Bledisloe Cup opener as Michael Cheika flirts with the idea of further changes to face New Zealand in a fortnight.
The world-class flanker has been sidelined by a calf injury since March but ran strong on Friday and is a chance of returning for the August 10 clash with the All Blacks.
His inclusion would add significant lustre to a side that ground down Argentina in a hard-earned 16-10 defeat in Brisbane on Saturday – just the Wallabies’ fifth victory from their last 17 Tests.
Cheika said Pocock would likely be given a chance to prove himself for what will be the side’s third-last clash before their World Cup opener in September.
“I wanted to stay away from putting a date on it, there have been too many dates put on it already,” the coach said of the 31-year-old’s strung-out return.
“On Friday he ran at full game speed and he’s getting everything sorted out so we’ll see how he recovers.
“He needs to do a whole week with the team and once he’s done that he’ll be right.”
Cheika made five changes to both the starting side and the bench and was pleased with what he saw from No.10 Christian Lealiifano in his first game since a three-year Test absence punctuated by a battle with cancer.
Saturday was treated as a chance to “have a look” at his cattle and Cheika hinted it would remain that way against the All Blacks with Allan Ala’alatoa, Adam Coleman, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Pocock among squad members yet to see any Rugby Championship action.
“There might still be a place for a player or two that hasn’t played as yet,” Cheika said when asked if his intention was to field what he thought was his best side in Perth.
“(We’ll take) as big a step as we want to take (against New Zealand). It’s up to us.”
Australia’s forwards were impressive against a traditionally powerful Argentinian set-piece, while Japan-bound Queensland favourite Will Genia was best on the ground in his last Brisbane Test.
“We’ve all been putting in big shifts and you just need a little bit of a pat on the back in that way to show that what you can do,” captain Michael Hooper said.
“We’ve got a little bit of a blueprint now and we need to add to that and certainly get better.”
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
Well if he even feels a twinge, that’s his year done! Calf injuries sound like very recurring problems and they need to be fixed 100%. I hope he can overcome it, so I hope he can play off the bench in one of the AB’s game or the Samoa game before the WC.
Zado
Guest
A 6 Higginbotham 7 Pocock 8 Naisirani would be the ideal backrow but coach clown has to have the undersized ruck inspector Hooper in the backrow and doesnt like Higginbotham. It will be 6 Pocock 7 Hooper 8 Naisirani. Good backrow apart from Hooper who will compromise the ruck mongrel and lineout. Unfortunatley we have to put up with him for 4 more years.
Cynical Play
Guest
Only a fool would risk returning Pocock during the Next two RC games. There will be enough World Cup qualifier games to run him into form. Playing the all Blacks will require 110% fitness. He doesn’t have it. Let’s let the incumbents settle with a couple of more tests before throwing in Pocock. What we really need to do is find that number six that we don’t yet have. Are we looking at a WC back row of Nais Pocock and Hooper? With a Nais at number six?
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
No matter what his condition I cannot see any option other than a start on the bench for Poey, and 20 mins game time to kick off his return.
Rubbish Surf 69
Roar Rookie
Good points, and I agree with what you've said, but I hate that with Pocock it's come to the point that we have to send him on the the field against the ABs to see if he can last. I guess there's such pressure on us to try to win back the Bledisloe, and that the first up win on home soil being very important, that everyone would really love to see him take the field. I hope they make the right decision because I'd love to see as much of Poey play before he hangs up the boots.
Jockstar
Guest
Pocock like qc like AAC, like Phipps are finished, move on Roarers
tsuru
Roar Rookie
Surely the people who are asking for Pocock (and Petaia) to be thrown in at the deep end of the All Blacks pool are being over-ambitious and endangering the player. Yes they have to be 100% fit. But any professional sportsperson will tell you that there is a big step between training and the match. Particularly against the ABs. Even Federer, Nadal and Djokovic played a number of lead up tournaments before they attempted a major after they were injured. I’d like to see Pocock (and Petaia) play at least a couple of NRC games before coming in against the ABs. Bur that would put them back to the middle of September. So I guess, for Pocock at least, who has shown in the past that he can get up to speed fairly quickly, that an introduction of 30 minutes would work. Or, to put 2 of PK’s ideas together, name Pocock and Wright both on a 6-2 bench, send Pocock on and see how he lasts, and if he’s OK send Wright on at 6. Or even start Wright at 6 so there is cover for Pocock if he pulls up short.
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
As the lads above, it really depends on his fitness percentage and how he is going to be used. It was great to see improvements made. Given the wallaby try and might I say a very good well conceived and constructed with s couple of minor passing issues, I thought the Pumas looked the more threatening with ball in hand. In saying that the Wallabies scrambling defensive was up to the challenge. Welcome back boys. Although most won’t be expecting the 2 wins over the ABs I think all are wanting yesterday’s form to continue and for the the Wallabies to be competitive and make s good account of themselves.
PeterK
Roar Guru
I agree , only play him if he is 100%. However I would start him and Hooper on the bench. This way if he feels a twinge after 5 mins or 10 or 15 he can come off. How Pocock feels would dictate how long he stays om and that is better managed if he starts. Of course only play a maximum of the first half or maybe evn 30 mins to blow the cobwebs out.
Realist
Guest
Agreed. No way in hell would a sane person with the team’s best interests at heart consider starting him in the next couple of games. Chieka obviously wants him rubbed out of the picture (just like his other pesky mates Sean McMahon & Liam Gill).
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
If he's truly better, give him a run off the bench. But jeez, don't risk him if he isn't 100 per cent.