Upon his arrival in 2006 as a teenager in the Super Rugby league, David Pocock quickly applied pressure on seasoned openside flankers George Smith and Phil Waugh.
Currently, Pocock stands unrivaled as Australia’s premier openside, if not the best globally. The selectors of the Wallabies, however, are hopeful that Queensland Reds’ young talent Liam Gill can create some competition for Pocock in the years ahead.
Recognized for his prowess at the breakdown, Gill is viewed as the rising No 7 in Australian rugby.
Last year, Gill, who was the youngest member of the Reds’ Super Rugby championship-winning squad, played nine matches in what he termed his rookie year, including both the semi-final and final.
“I possess much more confidence now,” he remarked. “Last year served as a stepping stone. I was gradually introduced to Super Rugby. Instead of only 10-minute stints . . . I aim to accumulate more playing time and learn how to perform at the Super Rugby level.”
In one of the two matches he started last season, Gill encountered one of the significant lessons of his short career when he faced off against Pocock in the Reds’ dramatic 24-21 victory over Western Force in Perth.
Pocock excelled at the breakdown with a man-of-the-match performance, a game that Gill continues to analyze through video. “I try to understand what makes him so exceptional and the techniques he employs. It was a tremendous learning opportunity. It was challenging but I relished it.”
With Pocock scheduled to compete for the Force against the Reds in their Perth trial on Thursday evening, Gill is likely to have another chance to match up against him. “I hope to feel more confident this time,” Gill noted. “He is arguably the best in the world. Facing him is a significant challenge. It can be intimidating.”
Before he can confront Pocock, however, he must earn the No 7 jersey for the Reds, which was previously donned by the notably physical Beau Robinson. “It will be a fierce competition. We will keep one another on our toes.”
In the meantime, Reds outside centre Anthony Faingaa is set to make an unexpectedly early comeback from a shoulder injury against the Force.
Faingaa, who underwent surgery to remove a bone from his shoulder, was initially not expected to return until the season opener against New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday week in Sydney.
Unfortunately, Faingaa’s twin brother, Saia, will be absent from the Force match due to an ankle injury.
Buford Balony says: He’s not even QLD’s No7…how is he going to challenge the best 7 in Rugby.
