Wallabies captain Michael Hooper says the World Cup environment is where backrow mate David Pocock shines but the Australian skipper kept his cards close to his chest about whether the pair would start together against Fiji.
Hooper and Pocock started together on last year’s Spring Tour, before an injury ruled Pocock out of the final Test of the year against England.
A long-term calf injury kept Pocock out of much of Australia’s Test action but he made a solid return against Samoa last weekend, captaining the team in their final pre-World Cup hitout with Hooper rested.
Hooper said he expected Pocock to continue to improve on that performance with their World Cup opener against Fiji now just a week away.
“He didn't look like he missed a trick,” Hooper said at the Wallabies' first official tournament press conference on Saturday.
“I think as expected, we've spoken about that before, he's come off long breaks before and just come back and done outstanding.
“He keeps himself in such outstanding condition. I was impressed and I only expect him to go up.
“These are the competitions where he does so well.So, I'm looking forward to seeing what he can put out there.”
With Pocock missing through injury, Hooper has combined with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Isi Naiarani in the back row this season and the combination has often paid dividends.
Asked the benefits of starting alongside Pocock, Hooper was equivocal.
“There's benefits whatever way the selectors decide to go. I don't have much more to say than there's benefits of all,” he said.
“Dave and I have played a lot together but I think we can improve, in that combination.
“I think there's still some more there to get out of games and hopefully we'll have some games to do that.”
Salakaia-Loto looms as the first-choice no. 6 if the Wallabies stick with a more traditional, balanced back row but said the reasons for having both Hooper and Pocock starting was clear.
“They're two world-class players so you try to have as many of those guys on the field as possible, so I think most of the people would answer the same way,” he said.
“I think everyone's pushing for that spot but we're all happy to see each other start or come off the bench.
“We all just want to do our best for the team.”
Salakaia-Loto said he felt the backrow group was working well, and the competition for spots was only heating up with the injection of Pocock and Jack Dempsey, who also returned from injury to play a key role against Samoa last weekend.
“I think as each game's gone by, we've grown and become more comfortable within each other,” Salakaia-Loto said.
“Time spent on the training paddock also helps as well but we know there's five of us, bring the additions of Poey and Demo into the squad, now that they're both healthy and ready to play, only makes us stronger.
“So whatever the combination the coaches decide to go with, the boys will go well.”
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has given little away when it comes to his selection leanings for that opening game but said no call would be an easy one.
“There’s always Test match Tuesday for us but we’ll talk about it with the selectors but I think there’s a lot of competition for places in the team so far and I think that’s the way it’s going to stay to be honest over the next seven weeks,” he said.
“That’s going to elevate the level of each player because I know everyone wants to play.
“You can see it in the way players are training and what they’re bringing outside of the game.
“Everyone wants to be a part of it and that should push the standard up for sure.”
The Wallabies train in Odawara until Wednesday before travelling to Sapporo ahead of their first World Cup pool match against Fiji.
Australia takes on Fiji on Saturday September 21 at Sapporo Dome, kicking off at 1:45pm local, 2:45pm AEST, LIVE on Foxtel, Network Ten and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
