Pocock Treading A World Cup Line | Thebigtip

Australia coach Robbie Deans reckons David Pocock is going to be an integral character in their quest to win the World Cup, with the flanker growing in importance as he treads a fine line between a genius and a lawbreaker.

The 23-year-old has been an important character for the Aussies in recent years as their three worst defeats in the last few years have come when Pocock has not been playing – which is quite impressive given the flanker has been playing international rugby for less than three years. Anyone looking at the Rugby World Cup latest odds should bear this in mind.

Pocock is a master of forcing turnovers at the breakdown and that was evident during Australia's quarter-final win over South Africa as the Springboks never got to grips with Kiwi referee Bryce Lawrence's interpretation and the Aussie star dominated yet again.

He is likely to continue playing an important role for Australia as they face New Zealand in the semi-final clash and his controversial breakdown play will cause problems as people question whether he adheres to the rules, or is getting away with murder.

Deans described Pocock's performances in the quarter-final as "immense" and he reckons the Aussies are blessed with the finest flanker in international rugby, who will cause problems for the All Blacks. Those placing rugby bets need to remember this.

"Pocock's game was remarkable, and it was bigger than he got credit for," said the Aussie coach.

"The world is blessed with some very good snafflers at the moment, and no doubt people will be looking forward to next week, to that end."

The clash between the Aussies and New Zealand in the semi-finals is likely to be a classic World Cup game, as it is the clash many people predicted to be in the final.

Deans added he predicts the coming weeks will see the "best World Cup rugby that we've ever seen" as the competition comes to a climax.