Match-winning Australia flanker David Pocock has laughed off suggestions he is a cheat.
Australian star unfazed by criticism of his quarter-final performance
Australia's David Pocock has laughed off suggestions he is a cheat after criticism of his performance during the World Cup quarter-final win over South Africa.
The 23-year-old flanker was the key figure as Australia saw off the Springboks 11-9 last weekend, affecting several crucial turnovers during the contest.
Coach Robbie Deans lauded Pocock's performance as the most dominant individual effort of the tournament but in other quarters there was criticism of the number seven's methods.
Springboks captain John Smit openly questioned the legality of Pocock's breakdown tactics, while South Africa fans unloaded on the superstar fetcher on social media sites.
"It's been pretty funny this week checking the
Twitter timeline every now and then for the South African fans. It's been in good humour," an unfazed Pocock said.
Threats
"I think it's fairly standard (being called a cheat) for most number sevens."
Instead Pocock is more concerned with this weekend's semi-final showdown with old rivals New Zealand at Eden Park.
Pocock feels the battle of the breakdown will decide the match and admits the All Blacks are more difficult proposition than the Springboks.
"The All Blacks probably have a different set of threats," he said.
"They use a bit more footwork and you'd probably have to say their work at the breakdown across the board is probably a bit better (than South Africa).
"So we're going to have to step up from last week at the breakdown.
"It's fairly standard in games these days for openside flankers to cop a bit of heat from the opposition and they've got Richie McCaw too, so it's going to be a really important part of the game and both teams know that.''
The Wallabies remain optimistic full-back Kurtley Beale will overcome a hamstring strain in time to face the All Blacks.
Prop Sekope Kepu (ankle) also sat out the side's first field session of the week on Wednesday but is expected to be available, while Pat McCabe trained strongly despite dislocating his shoulder on Sunday.
