0
![Not allowed!](images/buttons/up_dis.png)
Emirates Western Force flanker David Pocock has been provisionally named captain of a star-studded Ford Australian Under 20s squad for the inaugural IRB Junior World Championship in Wales, ARU announced today.
Pocock, 20, has already appeared 25 times for the Perth-based franchise and was a member of the Under 19 World Cup winning team in Dubai in 2006, said it was a great privilege to lead the first Australian Under 20s team.
“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 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 thrashing of Fiji Under 20s on the weekend, where coach Brian Melrose had the luxury of resting his top line Super 14 players, the squad are now in their final preparations before departing for Wales on Sunday.
They are set to be joined in the UK by NSW 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 with Junior Sovala, scorer of three tries against Fiji, coming 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 age 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.”
For an audio interview with Ford Australian U20 captain David Pocock click the following link
rugby.com.au | Multimedia
More...
Good on ya BamBam i'm sure you'll do a great job and make Australia proud![]()
Be There. Be Heard. Be The Force Behind The Force
good effort bam-bam... a true leader...
Bummer they need him on the Wallabies
61 years between Grand SlamsWas the wait worth it - Ya betta baby
Congratulations Dave!!
A well deserved honour!
TQ1: Bambam is the provisional captain at the moment, pending Tuesday's Wallabies team announcement.
He is warming the position until Kurtley arrives
They are set to be joined in the UK by NSW Waratahs duo Kurtley Beale and Rob Horne following the Super 14 final against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Laura Force Addict v Chook scrabble-off on Facebook: laura & Force Addict 0 | chook 9
Gigsa made me do it
"He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty." – Lao Tzu
now your on acid chook?
tell me, does it take away the pain of loosing the final?
Well done Bam Bam
I really hope the Wallabies hold off on calling up any of the Under 20's.
There are options to use in the meantime that are as deserving and the Under 20 concept is a massive development opportunity for the entire group. The stronger the group the more they all benefit from the experience.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Good onya Bamm Bamm and Congrats as well![]()
Pretty much the same article, but this one is published by The West
Pocock set to lead youth side
30th May 2008, 18:00 WST
Western Force flanker David Pocock has been named provisional captain of Australia's under-20s squad for next month's inaugural IRB Junior World Championship in Wales.
Pocock, who recently re-signed with the Force until 2010, has 25 Super caps to his name and was a member of Australia's under-19s 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.
Pocock set to lead youth side : thewest.com.au
he so deserves it... good luck bam bam!
A kick in this game is like a rather nasty alcoholic shooter, only as good as it's chaser...
Courtesy of quality South African commentry