Rugby: Deans opts for Pocock ahead of Smith

Wallabies flanker David Pocock. Photo / Getty Images

DUBLIN - Robbie Deans' changing of the guard appears complete, with young gun David Pocock picked to start ahead of veteran flanker George Smith in Australia's grand slam showdown with Ireland on Sunday.

While Pocock's recall to the back row - after he started on the bench in last Sunday's (NZT) 18-9 win over England at Twickenham - is in keeping with Deans' planned rotation policy, it is clear the Wallabies coach now considers the 21-year his first-choice No 7.

It is no coincidence Pocock has been chosen for Australia's biggest two tests of the spring tour - against New Zealand in Tokyo and now for this weekend's clash with the reigning Six Nations champions.

Smith, Australia's most-capped forward and the country's only two-times John Eales Medallist, is expected to start next weekend against Scotland, the lowest-ranked opponents the Wallabies will face in their grand slam quest.

But Pocock will likely return against Wales in Cardiff, where Australia will potentially be looking to complete a rare sweep of victories over the four home nations.

With Stirling Mortlock and Nathan Sharpe missing the tour with injury and stalwarts Phil Waugh and Al Baxter overlooked, 29-year-old Smith is the only player in the 35-man squad to have won a major trophy - a Bledisloe or World Cup or Tri-Nations title.

Deans, though, played down the relevance of his relegation - after the 106-test veteran had previously started in all seven Bledisloe Cup clashes under his 17-month coaching reign.

"Openside flanker is the toughest position on the ground. It has the most involvement, certainly the most contact, and we're blessed with a couple of world-class opensiders," he said.

"They're sharing the work not only between games but within games. There's not a lot of difference between them, to be honest.

"To that end, to have a player that's fresh and excited can often be the point of difference where you've got two players of such high capability."

Wallabies assistant coach Jim Williams said Smith copped his demotion on the chin.

"I don't know whether he was smiling or not but George is always very professional about those things," Williams said.

"He always thinks about the team first and foremost and he never veers away from that line.

"He'll be thinking what his contribution will be to the team and make sure it's on the training pitch as well as during the game."

Curious Irish reporters were keen to learn more about the young bull who had shoved one of the world's greatest ever No 7s to the bench and Deans was quick to point out his was no selection gamble.

"He's a very strong character," Deans said.

"Born in Zimbabwe, so he's got a background not of hardship but he's been brought up with some realities that the rest of us haven't been exposed to.

"He's a solid, well-rounded man now. He's a young man but he's a man in the way he embraces and accepts the responsibilities that he's got and he's played some great football.

"He's not inexperienced now. He's been playing Super rugby for a couple of years and he's established himself in test rugby, so he's a good player and has a big future.

"He and George both have a big future."

Pocock's inclusion in the starting side is the only change from last week's match-day squad.

Wallabies
Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Will Genia; Benn Robinson, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, James Horwill, Mark Chisholm, Rocky Elsom, David Pocock, Wycliff Palu.

Reserves: Tatafu Polota Nau, Matt Dunning, Dean Mumm, George Smith, Luke Burgess, Ryan Cross, James O'Connor.


- AAP