[1] David Pocock on the charge for the Wallabies against the Springboks during their World Cup quarterfinal match in Wellington. Photo: REUTERS/David Gray David Pocock isn't into comparing himself with All Black skipper Richie McCaw, but he knows he must have the rest of the world believing he's just as good or better.
The labels of "cheat" across the social media - emanating mainly from the bewildered and frustrated South Africans - against the Wallabies flanker show how much regard he's getting for his match-winning work at the breakdown.
Only McCaw has received the same amount of begrudging ''respect''.
Pocock was the easiest of choices for man-of-the-match honours in Sunday's Rugby World Cup quarterfinal win over the Springboks, making four breakdown turnovers, forcing two more penalties and completing 27 tackles.
The 11-9 win has set up an enticing head-to-head battle with McCaw, the three-time IRB player of the year who is still regarded as the world's best No 7, in Sunday's semifinal at Eden Park.
McCaw has long been branded a cheater for his influence at the tackle contest and ability to push the envelope and get away with it in the darkest nooks and crannies of rucks.
The Springboks were quick to raise suspicions about the Wallabies openside flanker after their painful Wellington loss and rugby fans have weighed into the debate.
"I think it's fairly standard (cheating claims) for most number sevens and it's been pretty funny this week in Twitter and seeing what the fans are saying, it's been in good humour," Pocock said, expecting worse treatment from the All Black pack on Sunday.
"It is fairly standard these days for openside flankers to cop a bit of heat from the opposition.
"They've got Richie McCaw, too, so it is going to be a really important part of the game.
"You probably have to say their work at the breakdown, across the board, is a bit better and more contested (than the Springboks)."
While former All Black openside flanker Josh Kronfeld rates Pocock the best No 7 in the world, the Western Force back-rower isn't interested in comparing himself to McCaw.
"I don't get involved in that kind of thing," Pocock said. "It's such a big game for the team and that's what I am focusing on at the moment."
Worrying All Black fans is that McCaw is carrying a lingering foot injury and may struggle to cope with the threat of Pocock.
But the 23-year-old isn't going to take the 101-test veteran lightly.
"At this stage of the tournament, there wouldn't be too many blokes who aren't carrying some sort of injury. Come game day, everyone puts that behind them and you don't notice anything."
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