Pocock Back on the Paddock!

[Darren]

The ARU have come to its senses and amended the policies which prevent David Pockock from playing senoir rugby. In what must truly be ground breaking original thinking, they will leave the decisions as to what level a player may play at to Parents, Coaches and the players themselves! Fancy that!!

Of course the ARU have been working on this for a long time and it has nothing to do with the publicity surrounding Pockock (just 17) playing pre-season trial matches....

With the current injury list, I wouldn't be suprised if Pocock actually *did* get some game time!

[Burgs]

Ground breaking initiative! "All in favour of letting commonsense prevail, say I!"
Sadly the damage has been done for Pocock as he is only a month away from his birthday now anyway and other back row players such of Brown have lept ahead since the first match.
Great news for future players in his mould though and I'm sure we will see the rule used in future S14 seasons.
Full story through Rugby WA: www.rugbywa.com.au/wa/wa.rugby/page/42825

[Moses]

I thought the IRB said he couldn't play! anyway, if he's 18 in a month then happy days for Zimbabwe and The Force

[Burgs]

That was an intrim ruling until todays announcement.
It is my understanding that it is a national decision, not IRB.
As of today he is eligable to play.
Plenty of Colts in Perth breathing a collective sigh of relief I bet!

[Rodent]

With Fava out and Brown taking up number 8 I think there is still room for Pocock in his favoured position as flanker. It will be interesting to see the selection this week.
Sharpe still has to go through another physical to see if he is fit, but who will be playing at 10?

[Burgs]

Todays Fox article indicates that Pocock is going to be tied with Australian Under 19 duties in Dubai anyway so won't be in the mix until his return. http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0...-23217,00.html
Sharpe is clear to play but as expected Fava will have to miss this week. http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/ar...703362761.html
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0...-23217,00.html
I doubt they will risk Daruda either and I imagine they will start with James but a roughie being talked about is moving Hilgendorf there with the return of Shepherd to Fullback.
Hilgendorf certainly needs to be involved more as he is dynamic when running the ball but I would be more in favour of seeing him on the Wing rather than tied down at 5/8 or stuck in defence at Fullback. This would free him up for more of a roaming role.