David Pocock insists there is still value in his Wallabies back-row partnership with Michael Hooper despite mounting calls for coach Michael Cheika to pick a more traditional No.8.
The ‘Pooper’ combination was soundly beaten in the two Bledisloe Cup defeats to New Zealand, with either Sean McMahon or the uncapped Lopeti Timani in line to face South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday night if coach Michael Cheika decides to change direction.
Pocock deflected questions regarding selection to Australia’s coaching staff but said openside flanker Hooper’s contribution to the team was underrated.