The Wallabies have warned any attempt by the Springboks to "bash" star flanker David Pocock out of Saturday's (0100 Sunday AEST) Tri-Nations Test is doomed to fail.

South African coach Peter de Villiers has said he has a plan for Australia's No.1 weapon at the breakdown for the Pretoria clash and the Wallabies have little doubt about what it will involve.

"Same as what the New Zealanders did and just try and bash him," assistant coach Jim Williams said on Tuesday at the side's Cape Town base.

In fact, same as every side has tried to do with limited success since Pocock came of age as George Smith's successor at openside flanker on last year's spring tour.

"As far back as Ireland last year on tour, every team has tried to focus on him," Williams said.

"It just shows how well he's going in such a short space of time and the impact that he does have around the breakdown.

"While they might have an issue with David, you've just technically got to be very good, making sure that you pick a target and make sure you move it, whether that's David or not.

"If they have a plan, well and good. But, from our point of view, it's just keep moving forward and be as aggressive as we can around the contact area."

The 22-year-old Western Force No.7 further enhanced his growing reputation with a masterful display in last month's impressive 30-13 win over the Boks in Brisbane but the Wallabies know the load will need to be shared at Loftus Versfeld.

"I'd like the same things to happen, yeah," Williams said.

"I certainly don't think he'll get that latitude this time.

"It's going to be all eight forwards in that area. If there's an opportunity that presents itself, it's just not David.

"It's the ability of the modern forward these days to get over the ball and attack it.

"While he's very good at it, it's just not David's responsibility."

Former Test back-rower Williams was impressed with the improved performance of the South African pack in last weekend's heartbreaking loss to the All Blacks in Soweto.

"In the first three games (of the Tri-Nations), they were probably a little bit off in that area," he said.

"They came out firing and kept that intensity up. Their work at the breakdown was excellent, their ability to turn over ball as well.

"The way they came out at the start and just kept that intensity going was the standout thing for me."

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