David Pocock's principled stand against homophobia on the rugby field will cost him any chance of captaining Australia again, says former Wallaby Greg Martin.

Pocock's on-field complaints to the referee led to NSW Waratahs forward Jacques Potgieter being fined $20,000 for using homophobic slurs during his side's Super Rugby win over the Brumbies on Sunday.

David Pocock made an on-field stand against homophobia. Credit:Getty Images

Respected rugby commentator Martin says Pocock did the right thing in speaking out but his action will split opinion in the game.

"He'll pay for it. It will mean that he will never captain the Wallabies again," Martin told Brisbane's Triple M radio on Tuesday.