Michael Cheika’s claim that David Pocock was singled out for scrutiny by match officials in Australia’s World Cup opener have surprised the flanker.
A bemused David Pocock is steering clear of Michael Cheika’s theory that match officials targeted him during Australia’s Rugby World Cup opening win over Fiji.
World-class backrower Pocock was happy just to complete his first 80-minute game of rugby for nearly a year as the Wallabies powered home 39-21 after a scratchy start.
Tolu Latu’s two tries from lineout drives mirrored exactly what Pocock did himself four years ago when Australia opened the previous tournament with a 28-13 defeat of Fiji in Cardiff.
This time the 31-year-old’s primary goal was to come through unscathed, something he achieved in a solid performance.
Pocock’s name only came to prominence after fulltime when Cheika revealed to journalists what he heard throughout the game from referee Ben O’Keeffe in his microphone discussions with linesmen Luke Pearce and Andrew Brace.
“I’m not sure what (Pocock’s) done but there was some severe focus on him,” Cheika said.
“I heard his name mentioned between them on the commentary at least half a dozen times in their own chat when he hadn’t even been involved in the ruck.”
Pocock appeared surprised by his coach’s observations but wouldn’t say if he’d noticed a focus on his breakdown conduct.
“You’re not thinking about that stuff out there. We’ll have a look at the review and see. I’ll leave that speculation to you guys,” he said.
“Generally refs are doing a really good job. As long as there’s clear communication and consistency, as a player that’s all you can ask for.”
Pocock was pleased with how the Wallabies eventually found their feet after the early Fiji onslaught.
The 31-year-old said they never expected anything other than a fierce contest against opponents who are menacing on attack and growing belief in their capability up front.
“They’ve got some proper danger men out there,” he said.
“But once we started holding the ball and building some pressure through our set piece, we got better.
“We had to. Fiji’s never going to be an easy game and we came into it expecting a really solid game, physical.
“We weathered the storm a little bit and then got out in front and finished much better.”
jonnyacidseed
Roar Rookie
Win a game (with a bonus point) that could of gone the other way, - Gold. Have your national coach, Cheika plus former Wallaby - "fan with a microphone" Phil Kearns on world media bleating about refs - Priceless. Lets get rid of the "Refs to blame" culture from Aust Rugby. It makes us look like complete d---heads.
Wombat
Guest
Kiwi Ref ????????♂️
Purdo
Roar Rookie
I thought the referee was fair. I watched the game after knowing the scores, and having read some comments about the referees favouring Australia, for example in a no arm tackle by Hodge. I was looking out for bias. I didn’t see any. I did think at one point that Pocock was pinged quite marginally for not supporting his own weight in the ruck , but the ref was there and I wasn’t, and there are often 50/50 or 55/45 calls. I think the fact that Fiji scored more from penalties shows something about the refereeing. I don’t think Hodges “shoulder charge” was one. He got smashed before he managed to get the arms around. So – a tough match as expected, I would have been nail biting if I’d been watching it uninformed of the result. It was an enjoyable game.
Wigeye
Guest
Us bloody kiwis again,bit of a scare but wallabys done well in the end maybe wallabys just got smashed at the start were some big hits,hooper was everywhere again theres no one more consistant than hooper hes the escapegoat for many on the roar massive ticker big work rate
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
He’s such a classy guy. Pity he’s not backed up with a classy coaching team
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
And David, that sums it up in a nutshell. And of course you shouldn’t be wondering about any special attention from the referees while you are out there. But that doesn’t mean that others shouldn’t.