Can Pocock fulfil potential and replace George Smith?

Wednesday 10 February 2010
Published By: Amy Nicholson
International Rugby > Australia

When George Smith announced his retirement from international rugby last week, focus immediately switched to David Pocock who has been picked as the natural heir to the flanker by some commentators.

The Western Force star shone as part of the Wallabies autumn international squad, with pundits waxing lyrical about the young Aussie and immediately earmarking him as Smith's successor.

Speaking about George Smith's retirement, Pocock said: "It is massive, and for Australian rugby two years out from a World Cup it is huge. He will go down as one of the legends of the game, he has done so much."

The young flanker added that he learnt a lot from Smith and understands his reasons for stepping down at the age of 29 to spend more time with his family.

Some have said that as well as succeeding George Smith, Pocock may also take over from Richie McCaw as the world's best number seven in the next few years.