Thursday 29 October 2015 12:15, UK
Keven Mealamu says New Zealand will not obsess over David Pocock's potential to wreck their Rugby World Cup hopes.
Australia No 8 Pocock leads the tournament turnover statistics with 14 from four games and was his side's star defensive performer in the semi-final victory over Argentina.
All Blacks great Jonah Lomu fears Pocock and back-row colleague Michael Hooper are a major threat to his country's chances of retaining the Webb Ellis Cup on Saturday, but Mealamu argues New Zealand cannot afford to overlook other Aussie dangers.
"We understand he's a good player, but there are so many parts of the game that if we concentrate on one we'll end up not doing anything else," the hooker said.
"We understand he's a big part of them but there's plenty of strings to their bow that are just as important that we need to make sure we account for. It doesn't get any easier for us."
Mealamu is one of five senior All Blacks, along with Dan Carter, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu and captain Richie McCaw, due to quit international rugby after the Twickenham final.
Of those five, only then-injured fly-half Carter did not feature in the 8-7 final victory over France four years ago.
"The way he's playing now is testament to how hard he's worked to get back," Mealamu said. "He's enjoying his rugby, and when he's in that mindset he plays to that level.
"It's been great to see him just enjoy being a part of this, and being back to the form that we know and expect of him. We're excited as he is to see him in great form."
