Pocock is happy to take the big hits

As the man with number seven on his back David Pocock is well aware that he is unlikely to finish many matches without any bumps and bruises.

Australia's openside flanker is the man charged with reaching the breakdown first, securing first phase possession for his side and pilfering that of their opposition, even if it means he is first in line to take a big hit.

It was a role he played to perfection in Australia's 11-9 victory over South Africa in the quarter-finals that set up a semi-final clash with their old rivals, New Zealand.

"It is fairly standard these days for openside flankers to cop a bit of heat from the opposition," Pocock said.

Breakdown domination

"They've got Richie McCaw, too, so it is going to be a really important part of the game. Both teams know in the past it has been a big part of the winning team - the way they've dominated the breakdown."

McCaw has had an entire nation in a panic since it was revealed he was carrying a foot injury, though the New Zealand captain was at his prowling best against in the quarter-final against Argentina.

With Australia and New Zealand meeting in the semi-finals for the third time after 1991 and 2003, Pocock expects McCaw to be 100 per cent for the clash.

"At this stage of the tournament there wouldn't be too many blokes who aren't carrying some sort of injury,' he said.

Premier flanker

"Come game day, everyone puts that behind them and you don't notice anything."

The Western Force flanker has grown in stature since making his debut against New Zealand in Hong Kong in 2008 to such an extent that many consider him to have surpassed McCaw as the world's premier openside.

The battle between Pocock and McCaw to win quick possession from the breakdown is one of the many sub-plots to the match, which will give the victor trans-Tasman bragging rights for the next four years at least.

“The breakdown is always crucial because it provides the ball," Pocock's fellow flanker Rocky Elsom said.

"It will be a big battle and I think whoever comes out on top in that area will go a long way to winning the match.”