David Pocock confident smaller Wallabies can avoid lineout woes against Wales in Cardiff

DAVID Pocock says he and Michael Hooper may mix and match between blindside and openside flanker against Wales after being named to start his first match at No.6.

David Pocock is confident he can adjust to the added lineout responsibility.

DAVID Pocock says he and Michael Hooper may mix and match between blindside and openside flanker against Wales after being named to start his first match at No.6.

Cheika takes big risk for Wales Test

A traditional openside who has been used more recently as a No. 8 in the Wallabies by coach Michael Cheika, Pocock now takes on the unfamiliar role of blindside, a position usually occupied by taller bodies who can be used as a genuine lineout option.

“There’s a bit of detail to learn, I guess it’s a new challenge, but it’s exciting,” said Pocock, who makes a return to the starting Test side after coming off the bench against New Zealand a fortnight ago following an injury lay-off.

Having two specialist opensides either side of the scrum means Pocock and Hooper could swap positions during the game depending on whether they’re attacking or defending.

“It’s a good challenge for me and Hoops, working that out, we’ve done a bit the last couple of days so we’ll see how it goes,” Pocock said.

David Pocock is confident he can adjust to the added lineout responsibility

“I think we’ll just see how it feels. I guess we can do that, neither of us is very tall so we’ll see. I think we’re both pretty equal on the scrum. We’ll see how it feels and we’ll be able to change that left and right side.”

But Pocock’s added prowess to Australia’s breakdown leaves the Wallabies short another big man for the lineouts.

“We’ll have to adapt, we’ve been practising our lineouts, all of us can jump,” Pocock said.

“We’ve just got to back our drill there.”

The Wallabies have won 11 Tests in a row against Wales but the past nine games have been decided by nine points or fewer.

“It’s always a battle, that’s one of the things you know playing against Wales, you’re in for a tough game,” Pocock said.

“Physically, they’re a big side across the park. Guys like George North on the wing is a big threat. Their forward pack prides itself on the set piece and getting around the park. It’s a big challenge for us.

David Pocock and Quade Cooper are all smiles ahead of the Wales Test.

“They’re a team we have a huge amount of respect for. Coming over here it’s one of the best stadiums in the world so you always really relish that opportunity to play on such a big stage against such a proud sporting nation.

“Rugby is huge here. And you get to see that on game day with how Cardiff sort of turns into a different city.”