Pocock back in swing of things

[blueandblack]

NICK TAYLOR, The West Australian January 12, 2010, 9:45 am

Young Western Force and Wallaby flanker David Pocock has the all clear to get back into full training.

Pocock spent six weeks with his left thumb in a cast after breaking it playing for Australia against Wales in the Northern Hemisphere tour.

"It was a bit crumbly so they weren't too keen to try and pin it," he said.

"I spoke to the hand surgeon last week and he said it's coming on really well.

"It's healed well. I'm pretty happy about it. From now on I'm pretty much in full training."

In his first full day of contact training since returning from leave Pocock said he was very impressed with the attitude of the squad.

"Everyone's very committed," he said.

"There's a lot of younger guys who are trying to prove themselves and seem pretty diligent in their work, and keen to learn from the older guys which is great to see.

"It's a bit challenging now back at the Force. We're going to have to work harder as a total team. We're under no illusion how tough it's going to be.

"We've got a young group. Having said that everyone is pretty committed to working hard."

Skills coach Richard Graham said having a new group of players and staff was a challenge.

"I don't think we are trying to reinvent the wheel. We try to keep things very simple."

He said having experienced players like Nathan Sharpe available for early pre-season training had been extremely beneficial to the squad.

"Being part of Super 14, that's what's exciting for me," Graham said.

"I've always wanted to coach in Super 14, so that's exciting."

Graham, who will split his time with the Wallabys where he is also an assistant coach said: "My role is very clear.

"During Super 14 I'm here and once the Wallaby season begins I go there.

"No ambiguity whatsoever. My whole focus is here.

"Any guy who starts out wants to be a head coach at some stage, and I'm certainly no different."

[palitu]

"It was a bit crumbly so they weren't too keen to try and pin it," he said.

that sounds a little bit dodgey!

[normie]

that sounds a little bit dodgey!

Crumbly !?!!?? Crikey

[GIGS20]

Drink more milk Bam!

[Burgs]

He's young, they mend quicker.
If not a care package of steak and milk is available on request.

[BDAVEY]

we need him every game this year........ we haver a great backrow but the backup maybe light on.

[PerthGirl]

Thumb no longer crumbly according to Dave at JB's on Tuesday

[James]

we need him every game this year........ we haver a great backrow but the backup maybe light on.

I don't know I mean Ben McCalman is going to be the next big thing as a 6 or an 8. Flip Manu has been with the Force for a few years now he'll probably be ready to step up too. Of course the loss of a guy like Pocock would be a big blow but I don't think we have many depth problems in our backrow compared to other teams/other positions. Neither the Brumbies, Waratahs or Reds have a quality backup 7 whereas both Hodgson and Brown are capable of playing 7 (Hodgson in particular).

[Burgs]

I don't believe Hodgson is (or rather will be) a first pick #6, as with last season he will be picked if others aren't performing or are injured.
He is a very good #7 going up against arguably the best Openside in the country.
Likewise, Brownie is a #8 in a #7's body.
With the downsizing of the ELV's we don't need three Openside Flankers, we do need some extra lineout height, pack weight and hitting up power to take the load of Captain Courageous.
I think, injuries allowing, we will see players other than Hodgson in the #6 jersey in at least half of the fixtures.

[James]

I don't believe Hodgson is (or rather will be) a first pick #6, as with last season he will be picked if others aren't performing or are injured.
He is a very good #7 going up against arguably the best Openside in the country.
Likewise, Brownie is a #8 in a #7's body.
With the downsizing of the ELV's we don't need three Openside Flankers, we do need some extra lineout height, pack weight and hitting up power to take the load of Captain Courageous.
I think, injuries allowing, we will see players other than Hodgson in the #6 jersey in at least half of the fixtures.

I guess it depends a bit on how other teams react to the non-ELVs. Pocock, Brown and Hodgson were running amok at the breakdown in the second half of last season. Now if you turn the short arms they'd've won into penalties you'd have a team on the ropes. But without the ELVs maybe the opposition won't chance their arm as much or they'll keep things a bit tighter. I guess it depends on who we are up against and how they play. I'd be tempted to keep them together against those teams with the danger backlines like the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes and Stormers.