George Smith urges Wallabies to use David Pocock from the bench in World Cup

Few people know what it takes to dominate a World Cup from the backrow like George Smith, and the legendary Wallaby has a surprise take on David Pocock’s role in Japan.

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David Pocock should be a supersub for Australia’s two biggest World Cup pool games so the Wallabies’ investment in a settled backrow can pay off.

The big call comes from Wallabies great George Smith, who says Pocock’s comeback should bubble along from the bench against Fiji and Wales in Japan.

Smith was up front as ever with his views in Sydney on Thursday when helping to launch the blanket World Cup coverage of multi-sports streaming service Kayo.

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David Pocock has been backed to make an impact off the bench in the early stages of the World Cup. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

The streaming giant (kayosports.com.au) can deliver live and On Demand coverage of all 48 games of the World Cup instantly to a fan’s two favourite devices at once.

Kayo brought a touch of Japan to the launch with a super-sized origami Wallabies jersey and decorated former Wallabies Smith, Owen Finegan, Drew Mitchell and Greg Martin.

Smith’s upbeat view of the Wallabies’ increased confidence and unity this season came with a specialist take on the backrow to face Fiji in Sapporo on Saturday week.

Former Wallabies L-R Owen Finegan, George Smith, Greg Martin and Drew Mitchell getting on board the Wallabies ahead of the World Cup in Japan. Picture: Toby Zerna

Going with Michael Hooper, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Isi Naisarani, the backrow which started the opening four Tests of the year, makes perfect sense to Smith.

“I’d like to see that trio rewarded because the time put into a combination has them working fluently,” Smith said.

“It looks like they understand their positions and roles like Lukhan running out wide on some occasions and working in tight when needed.

“To me, Lukhan has matured into a fine player with his consistent game time and I’d like to see some pick-and-stick with the backrow.”

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto tackled by David Pocock during a Wallabies training session at Odawara Stadium in Japan. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Pocock’s strong hour in the tune-up Test against Samoa was his first game time in six months.

He’ll play part of the Test against Fiji and be sized up for a bigger role against the zealous Welsh at the breakdown.

Smith’s endorsement that the Wallabies have found a productive backrow unit is a big positive but he said selections had to be flexible over a demanding seven-week tournament.

“Of course, I can definitely see Pocock and Hooper starting together at some stage of the World Cup because they are both such outstanding individual players,” Smith said.

“Right now I see Pocock on the bench adding value.

“Everyone was waiting to see Pocock against Samoa, me included, and you know his big influence is not just on the field but around the group generally.”

Kayo has added game-changing features so keeping up with the World Cup is sharper than ever.

The On Demand feature means customers can catch up anywhere, anytime, on their TV or favourite device.

“Kayo Minis” offer condensed highlights packages of games while “Key Moments” pinpoint the best bits in real-time for viewers.

Fans can warm up with classic matches, documentaries and a dedicated tournament carousel now available on Kayo.

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* Kayo Sports, at kayosports.com.au, will cost $25 per month to stream sports to two devices at once, or $35 for access to the service on three screens. It’s currently available on Apple and Telstra TV, for Apple and Google Android smartphones, on web browsers and via Google Chromecast Ultra devices. Click here to trial it free for 14 days.