Pocock-Hooper clash in showdown

Sydney - Wallaby flank rivals Michael Hooper and David Pocock go head-to-head with leadership of the Australian conference on the line in Friday's Brumbies-Waratahs Super Rugby showdown in Canberra.

It's a clash with national team ramifications, as the pair are locked in battle for the Wallabies No 7 jersey heading into this year's World Cup.

The Canberra-based Brumbies lead the Australian conference by four points, but they could relinquish top spot with a loss to the defending champions.