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New Super rugby franchise Melbourne Rebels claim they have taken Western Force flanker David Pocock off their hit-list of top Wallabies.
Pocock was one of the Australian stars, including playmaker Berrick Barnes and loose-head prop Benn Robinson at the Waratahs, Brumbies outside centre Stirling Mortlock and Reds winger Peter Hynes, being hunted by the club.
But a Rebels insider told The West Australian: "There has not and will not be an offer made to David Pocock.
"No offer has been made to him. He's not interested in coming to Melbourne."
The news will come as some relief to the Force who will be fighting to hold on to their stars when the Rebels start raiding Australian clubs in two weeks.
However, the ACT Brumbies still have Force vice-captain Pocock in their sights as a replacement for retiring Wallaby George Smith.
The news from the Rebels on Pocock does not come as a complete surprise because he is a highly principled 21-year-old who is unlikely to turn his back on the club that helped make him a Wallaby.
"David got his first opportunity with the Western Force and he is a very loyal young man with high standards," the Rebels insider said.
Pocock, whose 17-year-old brother Steve joined the Force academy this year, does not want to talk about his future until this Super 14 season is over. He is sidelined for a month with a damaged finger.
The Rebels have not ruled out making a bid for injured Force and Wallaby full-back Cameron Shepherd.
"No offer has been made and any decision will be totally up to him if his injuries come good," the Rebels source said. "Obviously we would be interested if he was interested."
It is understood the Rebels are rethinking their recruiting after several overseas players demanded big salaries and lengthy contracts.
The Rebels have only signed one player, former England fly-half Danny Cipriani, but coach Rod Macqueen is said to be keen to recruit Mortlock.
They are also chasing rugby league convert Mark Gasnier, currently playing for Stade Francais in the French Top 14 competition.
Force players are on a short break with a bye this weekend and head coach John Mitchell, under pressure to find a first win against the Reds in Brisbane in 12 days, will be assessing his backline options.
New signing David Hill, who arrived from Japanese club Toshiba last week, is a good organiser of the backline and is touted to take the flyhalf spot from talented teenager James O'Connor.
Interestingly, Hill spent time at inside centre in his last two years at the Chiefs as the polished Stephen Donald emerged as a future All Black fly-half.
He also played at centre for Bristol when he joined the English club four years ago.
Mitchell moved O'Connor to flyhalf in last weekend's loss to the Chiefs, after having him play a dual role as playmaker and full-back in the loss to the Hurricanes, but does not seem convinced that the youngster is ready for the crucial pivot position.
After Saturday's 37-19 loss, Mitchell said O'Connor had played well but needed to learn how to drive his side out of its own half.
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Originally Posted by blueandblack
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