David Pocock returns to Wallabies after six month injury in huge World Cup boost

He hasn’t played since March, but David Pocock has immediately been given captaincy duties of the Wallabies.

David Pocock in action during a Wallabies training session at Scotch College in Melbourne, Monday, August 12, 2019. (AAP Image/Daniel Pockett) NO ARCHIVING

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In 2015 it was the return of Matt Giteau.

This year, for entirely different reasons that nonetheless will be crucial for Australia’s World Cup hopes, it is the return of David Pocock.

Breakdown king, tackler extraordinaire and most likely man to turn a match single-handedly, Pocock will finally play a game after a frustrating six-month lay-off with a calf injury.

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David Pocock is finally fit again and will captain the Wallabies against Samoa on Saturday.Picture: Getty Images

The 31-year-old will captain the Wallabies against Samoa at Bankwest Stadium, Australia’s final hitout before their World Cup campaign kicks off on September 21 in Sapporo, and Pocock must get through unscathed to ease the fears of coach Michael Cheika and every rugby fan in the country.

“When things aren’t going well I think there’s always doubt,” Pocock told Rugby Central about his long road back.

Grateful for the opportunity and all the people who have supported me and helped me get here.

Big few months ahead! Thanks for all the support.#rugbyworldcup2019 #rugby #wallabies pic.twitter.com/XVBVoT13HG

— David Pocock (@pocockdavid) August 23, 2019

“But that’s human and normal but part of trying to come up with a good plan and put in the hard work to get back.”

Giteau returned to the Wallabies in extraordinary circumstances in 2015 when Rugby Australia changed their rules to accommodate experienced overseas-based players, and he proved a vital weapon as Australia defied the odds to make the final.

Pocock is equally important to the Wallabies’ chances in 2019, and relishes the chance to play in his third World Cup.

David Pocock’s path back to fitness has been a long and arduous one. Picture: AAP

“It’s such an amazing opportunity, you really want to make the most of it,” Pocock said.

“Obviously on the field you want to be representing Australia and all the people who helped you get to where you are but you also want to be carrying memories, getting to know guys better, enjoying it, it’s a great group.

“It’s a mix of men who are all committed to hopefully inspiring the next generation of boys and girls to want to wear the gold jumper.”

Pocock acknowledged how tough the task will be for Australia, who are grouped with European champions Wales, and danger side Fiji, with the potential of facing the ominous England in a quarter-final.

“I haven’t seen a World Cup that’ll be as close as this one, there’s so many teams with a genuine shot,” Pocock said.

David Pocock (right) runs with Kurtley Beale at a Wallabies training session in Auckland last month. Picture: AFP

“You look at the Northern Hemisphere: Ireland, Wales, England, France always pull something out.

“South Africa are charging at the moment so it’s exciting for world rugby. We know it’s going to be tough but that’s why you play, you want to test yourself against the best.”

Pocock’s last match was in March for the Brumbies in a Super Rugby fixture against Melbourne.

While he’s trained consistently, there have been a few setbacks with Pocock’s calf that forced him to miss The Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup matches.

This Samoa game will give Pocock an opportunity to test his calf and get game-time before the Wallabies face Fiji in a fortnight.

Regular captain and No.7 Michael Hooper has been rested for this match, along with prop Allan Alaalatoa, hookers Tolu Latu and Folau Fainga’a, locks Rory Arnold and Izack Rodda, halves Nic White and Christian Lealiifano, and utility back Reece Hodge, while injuries have prevented the selections of centres Tevita Kuridrani and Jordan Petaia.

Regular Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has been rested for the match against Samoa. Picture: AAP

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Pocock, who hasn’t played a Test since November last year in Italy, takes his place as skipper at openside flanker, but it’s expected Cheika will revert to the “Pooper” combination starting Hooper at No.7 and Pocock at No.8 for the big games at the World Cup.

Five-eighth Bernard Foley gets the five-eighth starting spot back, having not played since the opening Rugby Championship match, while young hooker Jordan Uelese gets a start having been named in the World Cup squad.

Tom Banks starts at fullback despite not being named in Australia’s 31-man squad for Japan, while debutant backrower Rob Valetini and veteran halfback Nick Phipps are the other non Cup squad members in the match-day 23.

This will be Australia’s first match against Samoa since 2011, when they also played a World Cup warm-up and the Islanders produced a stunning 32-23 upset at ANZ Stadium.

WALLABIES v SAMOA

15. Tom Banks 14. Dane Haylett-Petty 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper 12. Matt To’omua 11. Marika Koroibete 10. Bernard Foley 9. Will Genia (vc) 8. Jack Dempsey 7. David Pocock (c) 6. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto 5. Adam Coleman 4. Rob Simmons 3. Sekope Kepu 2. Jordan Uelese 1. James Slipper. 

Reserves: 16. Tatafu Polota-Nau 17. Scott Sio 18. Taniela Tupou 19. Luke Jones 20. Liam Wright 21. Rob Valetini 22. Nick Phipps 23. James O’Connor.