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David Pocock impresses for Force in final hit-out before season opener
By Jim Morton
February 06, 2009 WESTERN Force coach John Mitchell believes Australian tyro David Pocock has added the last pieces to the puzzle to become the complete package as an open-side flanker.
Although still only 20, Mitchell rated Pocock on the verge of being “world-class'' after a stand-out individual performance in the Force's final Super 14 trial loss to Queensland on Thursday night.
The Zimbabwe-born Brisbane product showed the Reds what they were missing with a hat-trick in the first 42 minutes of the Ballymore hit-out.
His link work and support play were superb as the Force jumped out to a 19-0 lead before Wallabies winger Digby Ioane inspired a Queensland comeback with a hat-trick of his own.
The three tries were testimony to Pocock's attacking development following a breakthrough Wallabies tour, which included two Tests and a debut against the All Blacks.
His emergence has put immense pressure on Phil Waugh's international future and he's set for a head-to-head battle with George Smith for the ball scavenging role at the 2011 World Cup.
Mitchell lavished praise on Pocock after the 22-19 loss with two of his tries coming courtesy of good support play and the other from a tackle-shedding 15m run.
“I thought the performance of David Pocock was quite outstanding,'' Mitchell said.
“He's certainly heading into the right direction of becoming world class.
“They were super team tries but he's adding parts to his game now.
“We always knew he was influential in the breakdown contest but his ability to influence the advantage line has grown enormously, both on the ball and with width.''
Pocock played down his try-scoring feats, crediting the lead-up work before being in the “right place at the right time''.
“It's definitely something I've been working on at training, your support line and that sort of thing but it was great lead-up work by the forwards,'' he said.
“The Wallabies tour was an awesome experience and it was great to get that experience touring with them and getting a few games.''
Mitchell was well pleased by most aspects of the Force's first 50 minutes before he substituted big guns Pocock, Matt Giteau and Nathan Sharpe.
He was also highly impressed by rookie half-back Justin Turner who could make a surprise round one Super 14 start against the Blues in Perth with Josh Valentine and Chris O'Young struggling with hamstring problems.
Toulon signing Ben Castle struggled in his first game for the Force Academy but Mitchell said the former Chiefs prop remained in the mix to play the Blues
AAP
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...002381,00.html
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