Wallaby applauds McCaw's breakdown smarts

BY RUPERT GUINNESS

David Pocock is unlike most players in rugby. And that is not just because of the young Wallabies forward's top-shelf status as one of the best openside flankers in the international game.

The 22-year-old Western Force player is also a standout for his view on an area of the game for which his greatest adversary, All Blacks captain and No.7 Richie McCaw, is often criticised.

Namely, McCaw's ability to stretch the letter of the law at the breakdown to the limit - or beyond it, without being penalised. Whereas others bemoan McCaw for it, Pocock applauds.

''Richie has been up there for a long time,'' Pocock says. ''He's very smart and very good about the way he goes about his game, playing to the limits, which is what every No.7 should be doing.

''He is smart and good at reading the play at the right time. The key is how he reads refs. A lot of people think he gets away with stuff, but it's the way he plays right to the edge. Good on him.''

That Pocock gives the McCaw style the thumbs up says much about his outlook on how he should play for the Wallabies. It is of no coincidence, then, that the contest between this pair heightens with every encounter - the next at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

McCaw has taken note of Pocock's emergence. Asked if he posed as much of a challenge as former Wallabies great George Smith, McCaw said: ''Not far off, to be honest. At the breakdown he has a good idea of how to have an impact. He's a strong character, has physical presence. The tests we've played we've had to make sure we keep him under control. ''

Wallabies back-rower Ben McCalman credits his Western Force teammate for part of his impressive game at No8 in Australia's 41-39 win over the Springboks last weekend.

''Having played with him in the Force this year also helped me understand how he plays,'' he said.

''It helps him understand how I play. So if I can tie that in with him, it helps my game. David is always following the ball. So if you can make a dominant tackle - or it's a low tackle - he is always there to get on to the ball. I am not sure I have seen him play a bad game yet. He is up there with the best one or two in the world as openside breakaway.''

Against the Springboks at Bloemfontein, Pocock was superb with his pilfering of the ball. He was pleased with his performance, but cites the support play for making his job easier.

''At Bloemfontein I had more of a focus on picking and choosing when to go into rucks ... knowing the guys around me, rather than being so single-minded about stealing the ball,'' he said.

''A lot of that comes from the world around you. I thought, Benny McCalman had a superb game, and the backs. When they tackle well it's pretty easy to get in there quick.''

But Pocock is relishing the prospect of another head-to-head with McCaw. ''He is world class,'' he said. ''He has a high work rate. I really enjoy playing against him. It's a great challenge.''

- © Fairfax NZ News