David Pocock to play his final Test in Australia when Wallabies play Samoa
In a volatile period for Australian rugby one name has stood above the rest over the last decade with David Pocock set to call time on his Wallabies career.
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Update: David Pocock has vowed to put his battered body on the line again for a final shot at winning the greatest prize in rugby.
At 31, Pocock’s body has had enough so he’s retiring from Test rugby after the World Cup but before he does, he’s going to give it everything it’s got, which is the only way he’s ever played the game.
“I’m not done just yet,” he said. “There will be plenty of time to reflect on it so I’m very much wanting to get back out there, get back to my best rugby and contribute over the next couple of months.”
A peace loving activist off the field, Pocock’s never had a lot of sentiment for events on the field, so it was no surprise the Wallaby warhorse confirmed his retirement without the slightest hint of fanfare or emotion.
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“I think so, yeah,” he said “That’s what we’re working towards.
“I feel like it’s time to move on to other things and contribute in other areas.”
His contribution to the Wallaby cause is already the stuff of legends. A two-time John Eales Medal winner and three-time nominee for world player of the year, the 31-year-old has been Australia’s standout player since he made his Test debut in 2008.
Born in Zimbabwe, the muscle-packed Pocock is undoubtedly one of the best loose forwards to play the game, chalking up 77 Test appearances, though he would have played a lot more if injuries had not limited his time on the paddock.
He’s had two knee operations, serious neck problems and missed most of this season because of a nagging calf injury that he’s only just recovered from.
His last game for the Wallabies on home soil will be Saturday night’s test against Samoa. Fittingly, he will captain the Wallabies for a match that was meant to be his comeback but is now a home farewell, not only to him but also for Will Genia, Tatafu Polota-Nau and Sekope Kepu and probably Bernard Foley, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Nick Phipps.
“I guess on a personal note, it adds a bit, you reflect on the time you’ve had in the Wallabies jersey, what you’ve tried to add, the legacy you hope you’ll leave and then just the opportunity to play in front of family and friends one last time,”he said.
“That’s all great but it all comes down to the team effort really and I think that’s been the focus for the guys. We know that without a good team performance, it won’t be as special.”
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The writing was already on the wall when Pocock announced his retirement from Super Rugby earlier this year after struggling to get himself 100 per cent fit and there were real concerns he wouldn’t make it back for the World Cup, starting in two weeks.
He has signed a contract to stay on in Japan and play club rugby after the World Cup ends and under the Giteau Law, he would be eligible for Test selection but said the emergence of the next wave of talented backrowers had made his decision easy.
“I think looking at the flankers coming through, I think we’re in good hands and that’s exciting for Australian rugby,” hesaid.
“I felt like I’ve put a lot into it, I’ve really enjoyed it and I’ve benefited a huge amount.
“As an immigrant to Australia, rugby’s provided me with somewhere to make friends, to feel like I belong and obviously to get huge opportunities playing professional rugby at the Force, Brumbies and the Wallabies.”