David Pocock is widely regarded as one of the finest flankers in world rugby © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Warren Gatland | David Pocock

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Warren Gatland is in no doubt that Wales' hopes of defeating Australia this weekend hinge on whether his players can get to grips with David Pocock.

Wallaby flanker Pocock has established himself as one of the finest flankers in world rugby over the past 18 months and he was in typically devastating form for his country in Saturday's fine win over the All Blacks.

After seeing his compatriots fail to attain their usual levels of dominance at the breakdown in Hong Kong, Gatland is well aware that he must come up with a way to nullify the threat posed by Australia's No.7.

"We've got to combat Pocock," the New Zealander said. "He was really effective again on the weekend against New Zealand. He's extremely physical, and he caused us a huge amount of problems last year.

"We need to make sure we look after that area. We've got to be low, effective at cleaning out from our ball and making sure he doesn't cause the problems he has been causing.

"There is nobody better in the world at the moment than Pocock at turnovers at the breakdown. It's about making sure we do a job on Pocock - that's going to be crucial for us.

"If he does create turnovers at the breakdown, it could be very costly. We have to be very physical with him at that area."

Gatland had been expected to name his team for the visit of the Wallabies on Tuesday but has delayed the announcement for a further 48 hours. The decision has caused some consternation and plenty of speculation but the Kiwi insists it was simply a case of waiting to see exactly who will be available for selection.

"There is so much analysis going on, why name our team today with the potential of a few changes with injuries? Just keep them guessing, and name the team on Thursday," Gatland said. "We are reasonably clear in our own minds what the side might be - we will just make the decision on Thursday."

Turning his thoughts back to the challenge facing his side, Gatland admitted that in Australia they will be facing a side brimming with belief after their victory over New Zealand, which was achieved courtesy of last-gasp converted try from James O'Connor.

"You would probably look at it as a great performance by Australia, a good win at the end, having to score the try and then make the conversion to win the game," he said.

"The All Blacks had a chance five or 10 minutes earlier than that to close the game out. Stephen Donald missed a kick on the 15-metre line, and that would have been game over.

"It's fantastic for Australia - I think it was 10 games in a row they hadn't beaten the All Blacks. It was a great game of rugby, and they deserved to win. I hope they celebrated long and hard on Saturday night in Hong Kong!

"They are looking really dangerous at the moment. There is a job to do in looking after their back three - O'Connor's footwork and (Kurtley) Beale's footwork is very impressive, and we know with (Quade) Cooper he runs some fantastic lines.

"But the exciting thing about it, with the interpretation of the rules, it gives us an opportunity to play. It allows both teams to play some expansive rugby and use the threats both teams have.

"If we get some youngsters in and we think they are going to be good enough, we are trying to expose them at the highest level. Two or three years down the line you could potentially get a gem and someone who is going to make a difference.

"The best exponents of that over the years are our opposition on Saturday. Australia always tend to bring in young players, pick them and stick with them. James O'Connor is the latest of a long list of players that have become real superstars in the game just by playing lots at the highest level."