Super Rugby 2016: David Pocock v Michael Hooper in blockbuster match-up

WARATAHS captain Michael Hooper and Brumbies superstar David Pocock will go head-to-head in Friday’s Super Rugby showdown in Canberra.

Brumbies vs Waratahs at GIO Stadium in Canberra. Waratahs Michael Hooper and Brumbies David Pocock. Pic By Kym Smith

WARATAHS captain Michael Hooper and Brumbies superstar David Pocock will go head-to-head in Friday’s Super Rugby showdown in Canberra, in one of the most eagerly anticipated match-ups between the Australian conference powerhouses.

And nobody is looking forward more to the battle of the two champion openside flankers and Wallaby back row teammates than Waratahs star Kurtley Beale.

“David Pocock is one of the best back rowers in the world and probably is the best back rower in the world,” Beale said.

“His presence will be there on the weekend, so we’ve got to be wary of that and no doubt we’ll be preparing for that.

“Mike (Hooper) is another standout back rower, a world class player himself.

“I think those two going head-to-head will only bring the best out of each other and no doubt when you see two quality players like that going at each other, it definitely lifts your game up and lifts the standard of the play up, so no doubt that this weekend will be a huge clash.

Waratahs captain Michael Hooper and Brumbies star David Pocock.

“Two teams going for it, to fight for that No 1 spot (in the Australian conference).”

Beale was diplomatic when asked if the Brumbies were pushing the envelope at the breakdown, where some of their first round tactics generated some criticism.

“They do have a presence at the breakdown and I think when you are in the game guys will do anything to compete and to do well for their team,” Beale said.

“I think every player in the competition goes out to do that and that’s just the game of rugby.

“I think you just leave the refs to adjudicate the decision.”

Beale felt the Brumbies were entitled to start favourites for Friday’s game following their seven-try shellacking of the Hurricanes, while the Tahs sparkled sporadically in their win over the Reds.

“The weekend’s game was a good win, we got the bonus point, but I think there’s a few things there that we need to improve on, going into the Brumbies game,” Beale said.

“As a squad I think we should all be looking forward to it, because it’s always a great challenge down there.”

Originally published as Super Rugby 2016: David Pocock v Michael Hooper in blockbuster match-up