Williams: Boks will be wary of Pocock

Australia assistant coach Jim Williams does not expect David Pocock to have as big an impact as he had against South Africa last month when the two countries meet in the Tri Nations on Saturday.

The Western Force flanker has seen his reputation enhanced in recent weeks following his displays in the competition thus far.

During the Wallabies’ 30-13 victory in Brisbane he dominated the breakdown, where his ability to steal and slow down the Springboks ball played a key role in the result.

However, Williams believes he will be more closely guarded in Pretoria, especially after the improvement shown by the world champions during their 29-22 loss to New Zealand at the weekend.

Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has been singing the openside’s praises: “The Boks were a little bit off their game at the breakdown during the first three matches of the Tri Nations,” he said. “But on Saturday they came out firing and kept their intensity up.

“Their work at the breakdown was excellent and their ability to turn over ball was evident.

“They created some good opportunities from the ball they won, but the standout feature of the breakdown was their intensity.

“David did well in Brisbane and I’d like it to happen again, but I doubt he’ll get the same leeway from the Boks in Pretoria.”

South Africa and Australia are both competing for second place in the tournament after the All Blacks clinched the title at the weekend.

Williams believes that, despite De Villiers’ praise of Zimbabwe-born flanker Pocock, South Africa’s game plan will still be the same.

He continued: “They are not the first team to do that. Last year on tour every team focused on him and it just shows how far he has come in a short space of time and the incredible impact he has at the breakdowns.

“We have a great tradition of fetching flanks going back to the days of David Wilson.

“Pocock is well on his way to continue that tradition. It’s important in the modern era to have a good fetcher so that you can compete for turnover possession.”

Williams is also hoping for more from the rest of his forwards to help neutralise the threat of the Springboks.

He added: “This week all eight forwards are going to have to help out in that area.

“The modern forward has to have the ability to get over the ball, attack it and take space away from the opposition. While he’s very good at it, David can’t do it on his own.

“If you have front-foot ball it makes it harder for the opposition and that’s what we need to ensure – that we are aggressive over the ball and keep them on the back foot.”

Coach Robbie Deans names his team for the clash at Loftus Versfeld on Thursday.