Wallabies dual-open sides dilemma

[Kapa O Pango]

So the Wallabies have two world class flankers, David Pocock and Michael Hooper, but who will be starting or who will be on the bench? Mckenize might have to start both of these guys in the back-row because of there great ball fetching skills.

I was thinking that Pocock could possibly play on the blinde side, because of his size and strength, but he lacks the height factor, if they use him as a lineout option.
With these two guys on the field at the same time, they would be nuisance at the breakdown for all opposition.

Wallabies might use them both tactically, during different test matches, both have similar skill sets. But, I reckon Pocock could be a good blinde side, he a strong tackler and good ball carrier, added to that he is a world class fetcher of the ball, Hooper on one side and Pocock on the other side, sounds not bad.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Well, it's a nice conundrum to be dealing with for McKenzie with the worst case scenario being you have a world cass specialist fetcher on the bench to call upon or to step up in case of injury like what was the situation last year.

I am skeptical about playing 2 out-and-out fetchers but that said both players bring a bit more to the table than just jackling so it might work. It would certainly be interesting to witness and its not as if the Wallabies have blindsides or 8's pushing for a world XV spot.

 

[lynam1104]

In BOD we trust

 

[InsaneAsylum]

6. Fardy
7. Pocock (C)
8. Higginbotham

bench - Hooper

it's a dilemma but at the end of the day, good opposition teams fear Pocock.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

I guess having two open sides means you loose the line out option and maybe a bit of the grunt of a blindside. I guess you could go for two heavier locks to counter two lighter flankers? It's all about balance in the pack.

What a place to be pocock and hooper

 

[ratsapprentice]

As long as they have two jumping locks (not Sitaleki) then Hooper, Pocock and Higginbotham could be awesome.

 

[lynam1104]

Add in the fact that Gill isn't even being talked about here I think its safe to stay the Aussies are well stocked in the backrow.

 

[Maverick1987]

Is pocock that much lighter than a traditional blindside like lydiate ?

 

[Big Ewis]

Kapa, you and the BOD thing

Well I was surprised to check and see Pocock is actually 184cm (according to his "official" measurements at least). He looks like he's about 175cm on the field relatively to the other players around but...184cm ??....really ??....

 

[InsaneAsylum]

Saw a recent photo of Pocock at Brumbies preseason training. He looks a lot less top heavy after his rehab stint, it will be interesting to see if and how this changes his game.