Australia head coach Michael Cheika has insisted that the back-row pairing of David Pocock and Michael Hooper will be "instrumental" in helping the growth of rugby in the country.

The pairing were lauded for their displays as Australia made it all the way to the final of this year's Rugby World Cup, only to fall to a 34-17 defeat at the hands of New Zealand in this evening's final at Twickenham.

Both players have been nominated for the IRB International Player of the Year award, and Cheika believes that the depth they have in the back-row will stand his side in good stead for the future.

"[Pocock is] obviously playing outstandingly, so is Michael alongside him. For us, we've obviously got Scott Fardy in there who doesn't get as many accolades perhaps but does his work outstandingly. Then we've got Sean McMahon as well sitting in the background and Liam Gill at home, so we're very lucky in those positions," he told Sports Mole.

"What that does is push the players who are in the spot to perform. Pocock and Hooper are both not only outstanding players they are also outstanding people, and that usually sets the right agenda for longevity in the game and making a real big contribution to your game both on and off the field, and to your team.

"I think both of those guys are going to be instrumental to Australian rugby growing, getting more supporters, getting more kids playing the game and enjoying the sport more."

Pocock ended the tournament with 17 turnovers, four more than the next highest individual tally at the World Cup.