Murray Kinsella reports from the Lensbury Hotel
DAVID POCOCK SAYS he would be happy to organise World Cup final tickets for David Attenborough if the broadcasting legend is interested in attending.
The Australian back row watched the 89-year-old’s ‘Africa’ series while recovering from Sunday’s semi-final win over Argentina, a game which left Pocock bruised and battered.
The Wallabies’ breakdown specialist appeared before the media this morning in the Lensbury Hotel sporting two hugely swollen black eyes, the clear marker of a broken nose. With various other cuts and bruises over Pocock’s visage, Australia’s media manager made a tongue-in-cheek introduction to one of the stars of the global game.
“This is David Pocock, although it doesn’t really look like him at the moment.”
After questions about Richie McCaw, the breakdown and his injury issues in recent seasons, the conversation with Pocock turned to his pastimes outside of rugby.
“I’m a big fan of wildlife docos, particularly David Attenborough, he’s a big hero of mine,” said Pocock.
On Sunday, post-game recovery, a couple of Attenborough episodes, I put my feet up. I was re-watching his ‘Africa’ series, which I think was made in 2013. If he wants to come to the final I’m sure we could organise some tickets. He’s a legend.”
Speaking yesterday, Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika stated that his squad is made up of ‘lovers, fighters and jokers.‘ As an activist against issues such as homophobia and global warming, Pocock clearly belongs in the lovers camp.
That said, his face this morning might suggest otherwise.
“I like to consider myself more a lover than a fighter,” said Pocock. “A bit of a knock on the nose can’t change that, I think it’s relatively straight. My partner Emma says as long as I don’t start snoring she’s happy.”
Pocock has always framed himself as a man for whom playing rugby is not a defining factor, rather a method of earning his living. Even in the week of a World Cup final, the 27-year-old insists that remains true.
“That’s been my approach,” said the number eight. “I’ve absolutely loved the game of rugby and I’m so grateful for the opportunity that it’s given me.
But I’m very conscious of the fact that at the end of the game it’s a game. It’s there to be enjoyed, it can offer so much to us, but there’s certainly a lot more to life than chasing a rugby ball.”
Would winning the World Cup on Saturday alter that viewpoint in any way?
“If we win, ask me that next week.”
Always an incredible player. Must have gone through some dark days while being almost 2 years injured. He’s back to his 2011 best. That was also the last time the Ozzie’s beat the All Blacks to win the Rugby Championship like they just did. Not to bring up the past but when Ireland beat Australia in the last World Cup, Pocock just missed out with an injury. Would have been a highly different test I think. IMO he is next to Kieran Read as the best player in the world right now.
Come on the Aussies!
Get David Attenborough as a commentator! Now that would be class!
Awesome player … He is like a double shot of Sean o brien
Without the petulance
Jesus Mark get over yourself!
Pape was asking for it and Seanie didn’t even throw a proper punch at him.
It’s funny how you should mention petulance given that the Aussies trashed their changing room when we beat then in Dublin last year and in process caused thousands of euros worth of damage……
The irony!
I’d agree. Pape was a sneaky bollix and deserved probably more than he got. Not PC but at least what SOB did was more honest than pape, who was looking to get SOB into trouble. Exacerbated by his BS evidence in SOBs hearing.
On topic – pocock is probably the best player in the world. Incredible at the breakdown and ferocious in the tackle. Arguably a better backrow than NZ. I’d the Aussies can even gain parity in the scrum they’ve a great chance … Money still on NZ though.