The Wallabies backrow is big enough for both Michael Hooper and David Pocock according to former Wallabies flanker Phil Waugh, following the announcement the pair will both start for the Wallabies against the All Blacks this Saturday.

The 79-cap veteran was thrilled to hear the Hooper and Pocock had both been named in Michael Cheika’s stating XV for the opening Bledisloe Cup match, telling Rugby News he thinks Cheika has finally found a way to get the balance right.

“I think it’s a good indication of how the Wallabies want to play the game, they want to throw the ball around a lot, recycle the ball and keep it in play as much as possible,” Waugh said.

“It can certainly work when you’ve got Mumm, Fardy and Horwill as your lineout options, with three strong jumpers the lineout will be secure.”

Smith spent much of his career fighting George Smith for the Wallabies No.7 jersey, but admitted he loved playing alongside his close mate and rival.

“I really enjoyed playing in tandem with George. Every time there was a breakdown one of us was in it and the other was there defensively as a threat to the opposition ball,” the 35-year-old said.

“The beauty of that is that even if you don’t steal the ball or earn a penalty, you generally slow the play of the ball down for the opposition, which then startles their attack.”

Waugh said he expected Cheika to give both Pocock and Hooper free reign to play their natural game on Saturday night.

“They’re both very different players, so Hooper will probably play a little wider as almost a third centre with his running game, then you’ve got Pocock who is obviously so strong at the breakdown.”

Whilst he admitted the lineout may become an issue when substitutes replace the starting XV, Waugh said he thinks Cheika will be prepared for a number of situations.

“Hooper and Pocock have both been used in the lineout even though they aren’t your traditional second rowers, but I think with Will Skelton lifting you should certainly get enough height.”

“If they are both playing well I wouldn’t be surprised if they both stay on for the entire game, even if Skelton comes on.”

Waugh will speak at a lunch at the second annual Bledisloe Cup Carnival race day at Royal Randwick on Saturday, with all Bledisloe Cup ticket holders receiving free entry to the race day.

“It’s a perfect Saturday isn’t it? You can get down to the races and hopefully have a win and a good day, then get on a bus out to ANZ for the Bledisloe. It’s a pretty good double header,” he said.

“Obviously in a World Cup year, there is a lot of anticipation as to how we will go over there so we’ll have plenty to discuss at the lunch.”

And should punters be looking to Waugh for tips come Saturday?

“My punting forms actually not too bad. I’m a fairly conservative punter but I’m looking forward to rolling the dice a little bit.”

Wallabies: Scott Sio, Stephen Moore, Sekope Kepu, Dean Mumm, James Horwill, Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, David Pocock, Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Tevita Kuridrani, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Israel Folau. Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Greg Holmes, Will Skelton, Ben McCalman, Nic White, Matt Toomua, Kurtley Beale.