Pocock to Consider Offers

Australia loose forward David Pocock will take four weeks’ holiday to rest and recuperate after the Rugby World Cup before considering offers he has received from clubs interested in securing him after 2016, according to his manager.

Pocock is committed to Australian rugby and his Canberra-based Super Rugby team ACT Brumbies until the end of 2016, but French clubs are already circling the 55-Test flanker, according to reports in France.

French rugby paper Midi Olympique reported the 27-year-old has already been approached by Top 14 side Bordeaux, where his Wallabies team-mate and Adam Ashley-Cooper will play next season.

“There are a number of offers that have landed,” Pocock’s Sydney-based manager Brian Levine told Reuters. “None are being considered at this stage. “David will be taking a break for four weeks, getting over the niggles he picked up during the World Cup. He is firmly committed to the 2016 season with the Brumbies and the ARU.”

After coming back from two knee reconstructions that wiped out his 2013 and 2014 seasons, Pocock underlined his reputation as one of the world’s best back-rowers at the World Cup, where his ball-poaching and fierce work at the breakdown was a major factor in the Wallabies’ run to the final.

Wallabies backs coach Stephen Larkham, also head coach of the Brumbies, said securing Pocock’s signature beyond 2016 was a priority for the club and Australian rugby, but also said the player could not be hurried.

Pocock took only a one-year contract with the Brumbies after protracted talks, telling local media he was uncertain whether he would continue to have the drive to play for longer.

After five more Tests, Pocock will also be able to play overseas and still remain eligible to represent Australia, a privilege denied players with under 60 caps.

With a number of seasoned Wallabies continuing their playing careers overseas after the World Cup, the ARU are certain to fight hard to retain the Zimbabwe-born player and should have the resources to table a competitive offer.

But Pocock, a noted charity worker, environmentalist and advocate for gay marriage, will not just be considering life on the pitch when he returns from holiday, his manager said. “We’re looking at everything [after 2016], and that includes study and other things,” Levine added.

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Cheika Loses Pocock and Folau

David Pocock and Israel Folau have lost their fitness battles ahead of Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final against Scotland at Twickenham.

Pocock has been ruled out by a calf problem sustained in the 15-6 victory over Wales last weekend and is replaced by Ben McCalman at number eight.

Folau suffered an ankle complaint in the same Pool A game and makes away for Kurtley Beale at full-back with Quade Cooper promoted to the bench.

Michael Hooper returns from suspension to start at openside while lock Rob Simmons is drafted into the starting XV, displacing Dean Mumm to the replacements.

Captain Stephen Moore and centre Matt Giteau will become the seventh and eighth Wallabies to make 100 international appearances when they line up against the Scots.

“Those lads don’t need to have played 100 games for Australia to have the respect from me and the other players in the team,” head Coach Michael Cheika said.

“It’s what they do in training every day, how hard they work and what they’re prepared to sacrifice that sets them apart.”

Australia thumped England by a record score at Twickenham and edged Wales at the same venue, but Cheika insists Scotland will be the Wallabies’ most dangerous foes yet.

“This will be the most difficult game we play and that’s not disrespecting our other opponents at all because every match has been tough, but this will be the toughest,” Cheika said.

“There’s going to be a lot of pain, it’s going to be physical and I want the players to enjoy that as well because that’s when it’s worth it.

“Guarding against complacency is pretty easy because we don’t think we are complacent.

“We’re acutely aware that this is really important for our own journey as a team.

“I’ve seen a lot of the Scottish players saying they can win — and they can, they can.

“It’s the reality of sport and what we need to make sure is that our mindset is really clear on what we’re prepared to do to get that victory.”

Australia: K Beale, A Ashley-Cooper, T Kuridrani, M Giteau, D Mitchell; B Foley, W Genia; S Sio, S Moore (captain), S Kepu, K Douglas, R Simmons, S Fardy, M Hooper, B McCalman

Replacements: T Polota-Nau, J Slipper, G Holmes, D Mumm, S McMahon, N Phipps, M Toomua, Q Cooper.

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Wallabies Lose Skelton and Palu

Australia have suffered a double injury blow at the World Cup, with the No 8 Wycliff Palu and lock Will Skelton ruled out of the tournament days before their crunch match against England.

Skelton came off the field clutching his arm early in the second half in the Wallabies’ 11-try win over Uruguay on Sunday, while Palu had suffered a “problematic” hamstring injury, coach Michael Cheika said after that match.

The lock Sam Carter will replace Skelton in the Wallabies squad, but Palu will not be replaced by another flanker, with Cheika instead opting for another hooker in James Hanson.

Hanson, who will reinforce captain Stephen Moore and fellow hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, was to fly out from Australia on Monday.

The Australia coach Michael Cheika told Australian Rugby: “Very few players have the opportunity to play for the Wallabies, let alone at a Rugby World Cup, so from that perspective I’m really gutted for them. From a team perspective, they both play important roles in the side and it is disappointing that we need to replace players in our squad.”

Australia have won both their pool matches against Fiji and Uruguay comfortably and face their first major test on Saturday against an England side stinging from their last-gasp loss against Wales.

Palu’s injury could mean the end of the 33-year-old’s international career, with the No8 set to play in Europe after the World Cup and become ineligible for a recall.

Palu started against Uruguay but may have struggled to make the matchday 23 against England.

Cheika played two specialist openside flankers in David Pocock and Michael Hooper in his back row with success against Fiji, with Pocock taking the No8 shirt. Ben McCalman can also play as a specialist No8 if required.

Skelton, who started against Uruguay and was a replacement against Fiji, may be harder to replace, however, with his ball-carrying ability and imposing physique offering the Wallabies another weapon in attack.

However, of the two replacements Cheika said: “Both James and Sam have been part of the team at various stages this season and I am confident they will be able to step up and grasp the opportunity they have been given.”

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Quade Runs Dublin Wallabies

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Australia ran in four tries on their way to a 32-15 victory over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Livewire fly-half Quade Cooper claimed a try to pass 100 international points, Michael Hooper grabbing a brace and Nick Cummins completing the scoring.

Despite crossing the line twice, Joe Schmidt's Ireland were unable to conjure a try - and the new head coach will be furious with the defensive lapses that led to Hooper's first score and Cooper's soft finish.

Jonathan Sexton limped out with a hamstring injury, the distraught fly-half leaving the field at half-time with his head in his hands.

Cooper opened the scoring with a ninth-minute penalty, before Sexton levelled from the tee after a strong Ireland rolling maul.

Cooper then fluffed a straightforward penalty, but the Wallabies struck quickly.

Stephen Moore bisected the Ireland midfield before producing a scoring pass even Brian O'Driscoll himself would have savoured.

Cummins received Moore's pass, cut in off his left wing and outfoxed the remaining cover to notch his third Wallabies try.

Soon afterwards Tommy Bowe cleared loosely from his own 22 and straight into gleeful Australian clutches.

Cooper's whipped pass sent Folau to the line, Australia worked the ball back left and Fardy's back-handed offload put openside Hooper clear to run home for his first international score.

Ireland rallied immediately, with McFadden surging into the Australia 22. Peter O'Mahony knocked on after sustained phase play, but then Ireland won a free kick at the scrum.

Heaslip's break brought two tight sneaks towards the line, before Eoin Reddan failed to deliver the killer pass. After all the pressure, Sexton had to settle for a penalty.

McFadden's searing break yielded another penalty that Sexton knocked over with Hooper sent to the sin-bin.

Another fluent Irish attack brought Sexton's fourth penalty of the night, closing an engaging half missing only a home try.

Leinster's Ian Madigan replaced Sexton at half-time, with the Racing Metro star suffering that potential hamstring problem.

Another flat Cooper pass sent Cummins into the left corner from Australia's bright start, but Bowe did just enough to deny him his second try.

Australia turned Ireland over at the scrum though, and Cooper struck all too easily from the set-piece.

The wily outside-half claimed his seventh Australia try, ghosting between Madigan and Luke Marshall's wafer-thin resistance.

Cooper landed his second penalty after Rob Kearney's uncharacteristic high-ball spill.

Ireland's scrum power then brought a penalty, that Madigan duly converted.

Ireland punted a kickable penalty to the corner to launch the final quarter, only to knock on at the line-out when Australia sacked their maul at source.

The Wallabies took that cue to wrestle back control and quickly scored through a line-out drive of their own.

Flanker Hooper rose from the pile of bodies with the ball, to confirm his second try of the night.

Tevita Kuridrani was then sent off for a dangerous tackle on O'Mahony.

The Australia centre flipped the Munster flanker and planted him on his head, and could have no complaints with the decision ruled by TMO Warren.

Replacement Conor Murray thought he had scored from a penalty snipe, but referee Chris Pollock brought back the play, refusing to allow the quick tap.

In the final minute Sean Cronin powered over but the replacement hooker was denied his first Ireland try, with the TMO chalking it off due to a Murray knock-on in the build-up. That just about summed up Ireland's night.

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Mowen leads England Wallabies

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Ben Mowen replaces James Horwill as captain of Australia for Saturday's meeting with England at Twickenham.

The back-row forward, 28, made his Test debut against the British and Irish Lions in June and will lead the Wallabies for the second time.

Australia coach Ewen McKenzie said 28-year-old Horwill's recent displays had led to him losing the captaincy.

"By his own lofty standards, James would admit he hasn't been at peak form," said McKenzie.

"We've made the decision to remove the added pressures and responsibilities of being a captain this week so that he can focus entirely on bringing his 'A' game.

"There's no doubting James is a world-class leader but it's important he is putting his own personal performance first and playing to the level we know he is capable of on a weekly basis."

Mowen, who led Australia previously during their 14-13 home win over Argentina in the recent Rugby Championship, moves to number eight for Saturday's Test.

Scott Fardy returns at blind-side flanker while Sitaleki Timani partners Horwill in the second row with fellow lock Rob Simmons a late withdrawal after re-injuring medial ligaments in training this week.

Nick Cummins, a try-scorer in Australia's 20-14 victory at Twickenham last year,returns on the wing after recovering from a fractured hand.

Matt Toomua retains the number 12 jersey ahead of ACT Brumbies team-mate Christian Leali'ifano, who has to settle for a place on the bench on his return from an ankle injury.

Fly-half Quade Cooper, back in favour under McKenzie after being left out by his predecessor Robbie Deans, is made vice-captain.

"We're recognising Quade for the ongoing decision-making role he plays on the field and the positive involvements he continues to make in contributing to the culture of the team off the field," McKenzie added.

Australia team: Israel Folau (NSW Waratahs); Adam Ashley-Cooper (NSW Waratahs), Tevita Kuridrani (ACT Brumbies), Matt Toomua (ACT Brumbies), Nick Cummins (Western Force); Quade Cooper (vice-captain, Queensland Reds), Will Genia (Queensland Reds); James Slipper (Queensland Reds), Stephen Moore (ACT Brumbies), Ben Alexander (ACT Brumbies), Sitaleki Timani (NSW Waratahs), James Horwill (Queensland Reds), Scott Fardy (ACT Brumbies), Michael Hooper (NSW Waratahs), Ben Mowen (captain, ACT Brumbies)

Replacements: Saia Fainga'a (Queensland Reds), Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs), Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs), Kane Douglas (NSW Waratahs), Ben McCalman (Western Force), Nic White (ACT Brumbies), Christian Leali'ifano (ACT Brumbies), Bernard Foley (NSW Waratahs)

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Wallabies Drop Will Genia

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Australia coach Ewen McKenzie has run out of patience with an out-of-sorts Will Genia, dropping the scrumhalf to the bench for Saturday's Rugby Championship clash against Argentina and installing a new captain with only six tests under his belt.

ACT Brumbies' Nic White has been promoted in place of Genia, who was also stripped of the captaincy in a stinging blow for a player rated one of the world's finest scrumhalves.

Number eight Ben Mowen, who made his test debut against the British and Irish Lions less than three months ago, will lead the team in Perth as regular skipper James Horwill battles to recover from a hamstring strain.

"The fact that Will has captained his country shows what high regard we hold him in and, while he is naturally disappointed, I also know how competitive he is and I've got no doubts he will train himself to a standstill to bounce back as a better player," McKenzie said in a media release.

"We've spoken about what areas we believe he can continue to improve and evolve his game and he was receptive to going back and addressing those things.

"In the end, it wasn't an easy decision because he is undoubtedly a world class player.

"However, we also feel Nic has earned an opportunity to start and will add his own uniqueness and point of difference to how we want to play this game."

McKenzie also tweaked a pack that has been hit by a number of injuries and struggled in last week's 38-12 demolition by South Africa and the two previous defeats to world champions New Zealand.

Tighthead prop Ben Alexander has been promoted from the bench at the expense of Sekope Kepu, while lock Sitaleki Timani comes into the reserves.

Backrower Ben McCalman retained the place on the bench he was handed by Horwill's injury, while centre Tevita Kuridrani was also given a spot among the replacements in place of fellow Brumbies back Jesse Mogg.

Barring Genia's demotion, the backline remains largely unchanged with James O'Connor and Nick Cummins swapping wings and Quade Cooper keeping his place at flyhalf.

Having started his tenure with three successive losses that have the Wallabies at the bottom of the standings, McKenzie had said he would "dumb down" his game-plan after the team's comprehensive defeat to South Africa.

On Wednesday, however, he defended his coaching staff's approach amid criticism in the wake of the Lang Park debacle.

"Australian rugby is renowned for smart, attractive and running rugby and there is a continued determination from the coaching staff and players to play with ambition and flair," he said.

"We aren't moving away from this philosophy."

Team: 15-Israel Folau, 14-James O'Connor, 13-Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12-Christian Leali'ifano, 11-Nick Cummins, 10-Quade Cooper, 9-Nic White, 8-Ben Mowen (capt), 7-Michael Hooper, 6-Scott Fardy, 5-Kane Douglas, 4-Rob Simmons, 3-Ben Alexander, 2-Stephen Moore, 1-James Slipper

Replacements: 16-Saia Fainga'a, 17-Scott Sio, 18-Sekope Kepu, 19-Sitaleki Timani, 20-Ben McCalman, 21-Will Genia, 22-Matt Toomua, 23-Tevita Kuridrani

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