Lomu admits Pocock and Hooper could kill off Kiwis

NEW Zealand great Jonah Lomu fears that the All Blacks could fail in their bid to become the first nation to retain the Rugby World Cup and win it for a fourth time.

The New Zealand legend expressed his concerns ahead of the Rugby World Cup final. Picture: Ian Rutherford

The legendary former wing never won a World Cup winner’s medal in his incredible career and he believes the Wallabies’ star back-rowers David Pocock and Michael Hooper will give Australia a critical edge at the breakdown in Saturday’s final at Twickenham.

Australia’s dominance of the breakdown has been founded on the combination of Pocock and Hooper,
who are both primarily opensides, and Lomu said: “If there’s any team who can give New Zealand a run for their money then it’s Australia because they’re the only team to have beaten them this year.

“The difference at the moment is that New Zealand only have Richie McCaw in their back row, while Australia have Hooper and Pocock working together. That gives them a different dimension at the breakdown.”

The 40-year-old added: “Their speed into the breakdown will give the All Blacks a real headache. Matches are won up front and the breakdown will be what makes the difference.

“Australia playing two opensides in Pocock and Hooper is a real threat to the All Blacks.”