The Wallabies are hoping David Pocock can be unleashed on the Welsh breakdown on Sunday after receiving official refereeing feedback about his much-scrutinised game against Fiji in Sapporo.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika was aggrieved Pocock was not only penalised for his work at the breakdown but appeared to be pre-targeted for attention by the referees, who the coach said had talked about the Wallabies flanker all game.
Pocock’s effectiveness at the ruck was largely muted, given the penalties and the fact the Wallabies didn’t defend much in the second half.
"In fairness there, we wrote to (World Rugby referees boss) Allain Rolland and he sent us back some excellent responses, which we have passed back to David so I think we have some good clarity there now,” Cheika said on Friday.
Wallabies captain Michael Hooper believes Pocock has addressed the Sapporo issues and is now braced for a big game against the Welsh, who are far more likely to bring a high-possession gameplan to combat against the Wallabies, and thus expose themselves to more Pocock pilfers.
"It is something that Dave I am sure has looked at. For mine, I thought he was pretty good, being a fellow seven,” Hooper said.
"Particularly that one right at the start of the game. I thought he had all rights to the ball, great turnover. I am excited to see what he’ll do this week. I am sure he’ll want to come at the ball pretty hard and he is pretty damn good there.
Wales coach Warren Gatland said his team were prepared to face the dual threats of Hooper and Pocock - at best they can be.
"We did a good job last year on Hooper. He had about 12 attempts against us trying to steal the ball and he did not get any,” Gatland said.
"Pocock was a different story. He had about 10 attempts and got about five. He is a big threat and it is something we must focus on. He is pretty good at picking his timings when he does go for the ball in a turnover.
"They are two definite threats at the breakdown but we are pretty happy with our loose forwards, with their ball carrying physicality as well. They are all capable of playing six, seven and eight which is pretty similar to Australia."
