Rookie Wallaby flank David Pocock, a self-confessed Bobby Skinstad fan, says the Australians are ready to raise their game for their Tri-Nations match against South Africa, in Brisbane on Saturday.

The Western Force openside flank, Pocock, will make his maiden Tri-Nations start - along with scrumhalf Will Genia.

These were among the key changes, as the Wallabies search for their first win of the season.

Pocock described the opportunity to start against the Boks on Saturday as "very special".

"I've played them [South Africa] twice now, it will be really special and I am really looking forward to the challenge," the flank said, adding that coming off last weekend's 25-32 loss to the Boks they are looking for an improvement and to "move forward".

The native of Zimbabwe, who grew up watching the Boks on television before emigrating to Australia with his parents, said he was a really big fan of former Bok captain Bob Skinstad.

"To play against them [the Springboks'] is a massive honour and hopefully Saturday we can turn it on," he said of the Wallabies' desire to end their unbeaten Tri-Nations run.

Despite being a Skinstad fan, he did not mold his career on the South African's style of play.

"I remember watching him [Skinstad] since grade seven, but I don't think I consciously did it [mold my game on Skinstad]," Pocock said, adding: "I think George [Smith, the Wallaby captain] and Richie McCaw have been the benchmark flanks for the last decade.

"Obviously you add little things to your game that you see them do, but I haven't gone out of my way to sort of copy them in specific areas."

Pocock said with results not having gone his team's way this year, they are determined to turn things around.

"Definitely, as a team we are looking to improve - it comes down to individuals coming into the team to make a difference," Pocock said of Saturday's Brisbane showdown.

"Everyone is preparing as best we can for the weekend and obviously we need improvement to have a win and everyone is looking to do that," the flank said.

Pocock is described as the next generation of the dashing openside flank breed, following on from George Smith and Phil Waugh.

Pocock made his debut for Australia marking up against All Black skipper Richie McCaw during the historic Bledisloe Cup Test at Hong Kong in 2008.

The former Australian Under-20 skipper's arrival on the Test stage surprised few after he had compiled another impressive Super 14 campaign with the Western Force. The Zimbabwean-born fetcher has been one of the Perth side's most consistent performers since his debut as a teenager in 2006.

His selection for the Wallabies came six years to the day after his family arrived in Australia to settle.

Pocock has also previously represented Queensland at schools level in his other chosen sport, water polo.

Bio:
Name: David Pocock
Position: Flank
Height: 181cm
Weight: 101kg
Date of birth: 23/04/1988
Super Rugby team: Western Force
Super Rugby debut: 2006
Super Rugby caps: 25
Test caps: Eight
Test debut: 2008 v New Zealand, Hong Kong
Honours: Australian Schoolboys 2005; Australian Under-19 2006; Australia A 2007, Australia Under-20 2008; Wallabies 2008
Senior tours: 2008 Hong Kong & Europe