Pocock to lead young Aussies

Friday 30th May 2008

Western Force flanker David Pocock has been provisionally named captain of a star-studded Australian U20 squad for the inaugural IRB Junior World Championship in Wales.

Pocock, 20, has already appeared 25 times for the Perth-based franchise and was a member of the U19 World Cup-winning team in Dubai in 2006.

"It's always an honour to play for Australia at any level so as captain of this new team it makes it even more special," Pocock said.

"There are a lot of guys in the squad who played with me in 2006 as well as a lot of guys from Australian Schoolboys so we have a lot of international experience here.

"There has been a lot of talk about the Super 14 players in the squad but at the end of the day it is fifteen on fifteen and it will be the team that can play well for the full 80 minutes that will win it."

Fresh from their 51-27 defeat of Fiji U20 in Sydney at the weekend, the squad is now in its final preparatory stages before departing for Wales on Sunday.

They are set to be joined in the UK by Waratahs duo Kurtley Beale and Rob Horne following the Super 14 Final against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

However, all players in the final squad are still subject to confirmation pending Wallabies selection for the opening three Tests of the season against Ireland and France.

Coach Brian Melrose has been forced to make two changes to the squad through injury. Junior Sovala, scorer of three tries against Fiji, comes in for Brumbies-bound Alfi Mafi, while Andrew Rossiter's withdrawal has opened up a place for Sitiveni Mafi at flanker.

Despite having one of the strongest squads going into the tournament, Melrose is wary of complacency before their opening Pool match against Canada on June 6.

"We're looking forward to the tournament, we have a very talented strong squad from front row right through," said Melrose.

"There is no room for a slip up, we're coming off only a 10 day preparation and as long as we don't slip up in our opening two matches against Fiji and Canada it will be a sudden death match against England."