Smal: We’ll have Goliath problem if pack can’t stop David

IRELAND forwards coach Gert Smal has issued a “Stop Pocock” order to his pack as he bids to clean up a problematic breakdown and counter Australia’s back-row menace.

The Irish struggled to deal with a committed and physical USA challenge at the tackle area in Sunday’s disappointing opening performance in New Plymouth and the Tri Nations champions, spearheaded by back-rower David Pocock, pose a far more dangerous threat this Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland in a Pool C showdown pivotal to the make-up of the quarter-final draw.

Ireland’s hopes of defeating the Australians and going on to win the group and earn a more favourable last-eight draw took a knock last Sunday when they laboured to a 22-10 win over the Americans with the breakdown a particular area of concern for head coach Declan Kidney and his assistant Smal.