Talismanic Wallabies back-rower David Pocock is ready to lock horns with Richie McCaw in the Rugby World Cup final confident he’s overcome his calf injury.
The brilliant openside flanker turned No.8 is regarded absolutely crucial to the Wallabies’ hopes of an upset win in the all-Anzac decider at Twickenham on Saturday (Sunday 0300 AEDT), having shown he stands alone – beyond even McCaw – as the world’s best ball-thief at the breakdown.
Pocock worked around the clock on a calf injury with medical staff to take the field in Sunday’s semi-final victory over Argentina, but said he came through unscathed, having put in another outstanding performance while playing the full 80 minutes.
He effected four turnovers to take his personal tally to 14 for the tournament, well clear as the best at the World Cup.
It left him in no doubt that he’s ready to throw himself into the biggest Test of his career, where he will be matched against McCaw, who is believed to be playing the final Test of his storied career.
“You always want to play against the best,” Pocock said.
Pocock was only confirmed as a starter for Sunday’s clash with Argentina after working tirelessly with the team doctor and physiotherapists to overcome the calf injury he picked up in the Wallabies’ final pool match – the victory over Wales a fortnight ago.
“I guess there was always the possibility (I would miss the game),” he said.
“We were pushing hard for it, but it’s a pretty unique environment when you can just really focus on rehab and have the support from the medical team.”
The stressful lead-in to the match had absolutely no negative effect on Pocock’s play, as he once again turned the Wallabies into a destructive force at the breakdown.
“I was really happy to get out there and I felt pretty good,” he said.
“There’s a few pretty sore guys walking around. We’ll recover really well and get into all the reviews and previews and all the rest, and get into the week.
“It’s a short turnaround. But how exciting – we’re very happy.”
CA3ZAR
Roar Pro
Although they are two different players, with different attributes I can't wait to see them play against each other, for the last time ever
Minz
Guest
I must be tired... read "Talismanic" as "Tasmanian" and briefly wondered why I'd thought he was an ex-Zimbabwean all these years :P
Anto
Guest
This is a different AB team to the unbeatable one of the past few years. It's still extremely good, but there are a few flaws there, where there weren't before. On the other side, the WBs are head and shoulders a better team than they have been for some time now. They are playing some of the best rugby I've seen them play for many years - defensively, scrummaging and commitment at the breakdown. I'd be extremely surprised if either team waltzed away with it next Sunday. Should be an absolute cracker!
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Yes there is. Once we steal the ball we still need to score with it.
ph1lstar
Guest
Geez I would like to see how dominant Pocock would still be when he reaches McCaws age. That's why McCaw is the GOAT. Pocock spends more time on the sideline injured.
RT
Guest
7's very rarely cross paths in games or compete against each other at the breakdown, the modern game is a lot different in that way.
WQ
Guest
There will be no contest between McCaw and Pocock, they play very different games of Rugby, McCaw has long sinced moved on from being a Fetcher
Southerner
Roar Rookie
Is there a risk that supporters are putting too much faith in fetching and thieving to win the RWC? Too much reliance on one mortal? Do the Wallabies have the superior mental, skilful, tactical game across the park such that they can be resilient to the AB blitz and pressure plus match the agility to adapt their game to changing tactics and conditions. What Dean's called "playing what's in front if you", but at the collective, not the individual scale. Boy, if they do, that'll make MC the coach of the century. I reckon Oz will give it a good shake, but I suspect their transcendence to that new standard being set by the ABs is still 2 - 4 years away. And if MC can deliver that, we've got a fabulous era rolling out