Pocock: Focused on stopping Wales

Pocock is one of six players in the running for the top accolade - with fellow Wallaby Will Genia, All Blacks trio Piri Weepu, Jerome Kaino and Ma'a Nonu and France captain Thierry Dusautoir also nominated.

The winner will be announced on October 24 in Auckland however Pocock is to put the thoughts of personal honour to the back of his mind as he looks to help Australia to success in the bronze medal match at Eden Park on Friday.

"It's a huge honour to be nominated for such an award and I guess it's just that," he said.

"You can't think about it too much with the game coming up tomorrow night

"Wales have a back row with a very high work-rate. They get around the field well and they're a team in general that attack the rucks hard in attack and defence.

"They've got some real threats in their backline. Their centres are arguably the hardest running centres in the tournament and that gets them on the front foot a lot of the time. Off the back of that they've got guys with a lot of pace."

Friday's encounter will see Nathan Sharpe win his 100th cap for Australia - and Pocock has paid tribute to the popular lock.

"He's had a huge influence on my rugby so far," said Pocock.

"He was there when I started at the (Western) Force and the past few seasons at the Wallabies as well. He's a guy that everyone looks up to, not just literally, but also as a guy with an amount of principle and who is a real leader on and off the field.

"He's someone you feel pretty comfortable going to with your problems. He always has time for you.

"He's not a bloke who doesn't really want to hang out with certain people in the group. I think it's that attitude and that inclusiveness of everyone that's made him the respected player he is.

"To excel for such a long period of time with all the changes in the game, that's a real testament to him as an individual and as an athlete. I think he made his (international) debut when I was 14 so that's a long time at the top."