Rugby World Cup 2019: David Pocock unlikely for Bledisloe Cup opener in Perth

One of the All Blacks' fiercest adversaries in the Wallabies appears unlikely to play in Saturday's first Bledisloe Cup test in Perth.

David Pocock's continuing to battle back from a calf injury and the Wallabies look to set to give him more time to prove his fitness for the World Cup.

But his absence isn't denting the hosts' confidence of ending their 17-year Bledisloe Cup drought.

A return for Pocock this weekend appears a long shot, with next week's second Bledisloe in Auckland looking more likely. 

"They're going to do the right due diligence on that and get him back on the field as soon as soon as possible," said captain Michael Hooper. "I'm sure when he does get back on the field, he'll kill it."

But even without one of their best, the Wallabies sense an opportunity. 

"I can see a lot of belief within the group," said lock Adam Coleman. "They're really committed towards the cause. Coming into camp this week I can already feel a really good energy within the squad."

That's a sentiment shared by Hooper, who was quick to rubbish suggestions the All Blacks have been rusty in their opening tests of the year. 

"They go over to Argentina - which is an extremely hard place to win in that atmosphere - and hold strong to get the win… and just get pipped to get the draw [against South Africa], so they're an amazing team.

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