All Blacks formidable even without McCaw - David Pocock

Australia openside flanker David Pocock believes New Zealand back-row will continue to remain formidable in the upcoming Rugby Championship despite the retirement of the legendary Richie McCaw.

McCaw, who remains the most uncapped player of all time retired from the game after leading his side to back-to-back World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015. New Zealand have an incredible record of winning 131 games out of the 148 games, McCaw has been part of while he has a tremendous winning percentage of 89.09 in the 110 matches as captain.

Admitting McCaw has been phenomenal for New Zealand over the years, Pocock believes the trans-Tasman rivals have enough bench strength to replace the former All Blacks captain.

“He was a feature for as long as I can remember, watching and playing, so certainly it’s a different (New Zealand) back-row combination there,” Pocock told AAP.

“But from what we’ve seen during Super Rugby and the June Tests, there’s certainly no shortage of talent in that area for the New Zealand team.”

The 28-year-old also believes the All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will have a tough task of choosing between Hurricanes flanker Ardie Savea and Chiefs veteran Sam Cane.

“They are both very talented. It’s the kind of headache you want as a coach,” Pocock said.

Australia will take on New Zealand in the opening game of the 2016 Rugby Championship at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on 20th August and the All Blacks will undergo a complete week of training ahead of the game as opposed to their tradition of reaching the ground few days before the kick-off.

“They are obviously very serious about continuing their domination. That’s why they are here early,” Australian coach Michael Cheika said.