This instalment of The Tuesday Top Five counts down: Pocock v Hooper, Melbourne Rebels Rising, Mitchell’s Timing, Force Unearth New Star, Return of Palmer.
5. Pocock v Hooper
In the only Aussie derby from last weekend’s super rugby round David Pocock and Michael Hooper squared off in what retrospectively should have been referred to as the fight of the century.
Both men played the game admirably and didn’t dodge the hard stuff (unlike Mayweather). They showed that the others’ strength isn’t necessarily their personal weakness. Both have their hands up firmly for a wallaby starting spot.
Hooper won the battle, but the war isn’t over. The Wallabies play test match rugby and Pocock, with a better tight game, could edge him for the crack at the starting jersey.
Watch this space though, with six rounds of super rugby remaining as well as finals this topic is sure to come up again in The Tuesday Top Five and unlike the Mayweather/Pacquiao fight we may get to (and want to) see another clash of the opensides.
PS. A special mention to Jordy Reid, who the day after this epic battle, showed he could do better in a blinder against the Chiefs, edging both Hooper and to a lesser extent Pocock to gain a spot on the G&GR Round 12 Team of the week.
