Pocock to tackle Reds

Sydney - Wallabies flank David Pocock will get his first real taste of the Force captaincy when he returns to action in Thursday's Super Rugby trial match against the Reds at nib Stadium.

But the Force will still be without several key players, with wing Nick Cummins (leg), second-rower Nathan Sharpe (calf) and back-rower Richard Brown (shoulder) all unavailable for selection.

Pocock, who took over as skipper from Sharpe last month, was rested from the Force's recent 25-0 trial loss to the Brumbies in Darwin.

Coach Richard Graham was tempted to again rest Pocock, but in the end decided he would benefit from a pre-season hit-out.

''I think it was important - given he is going to captain the side this year - to spend some time with the group in the middle,'' Graham said on Tuesday.