In the latest issue of Rugby World, we rank rugby’s powerbrokers
David Pocock
The Zimbabwe-born back-rower is a breakdown and turnover specialist of the highest calibre.
Having emigrated to Australia with his family in 2002, Pocock earned his first cap for the Wallabies six years later and it says everything you need to know about Pocock’s quality that, within a year, he had ousted the great George Smith as Australia’s first-choice openside.
In 2010 and 2011, he was one of the nominations for World Player of the Year, and in 2012 he was made Wallaby captain.
Unfortunately for both player and country, Pocock’s career has been hit by injury. Between 2013-14, he has had to have two knee reconstruction surgeries and there were fears he might have to retire.
But he showed his fortitude by returning to the Australia line-up in the Rugby Championship in 2015. He was one of the stars of the show as the Wallabies shocked the All Blacks in Sydney and later that year he proved devastating alongside Michael Hooper in the Rugby World Cup.
Analysis: The sights and sounds of the breakdown battle between England and Australia
When Eddie Jones announced his selection, the script was written. For all the ‘Bodyline’ bluster, Australia were going to tear apart England’s back-row. Despite Six Nations success, the trio of Chris…
How will England’s back row combat ‘McPooper’?
By Alex Shaw The term ‘Pooper’ may have begun fading out of rugby’s lexicon following the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup last year, but it stands to return with…
What’s in Rugby World’s latest issue?
A full list of contents for the February 2016 edition of Rugby World
Inside the mind of Michael Cheika
FOR SOMEONE who never saw himself as a coach (Wallaby icon David Campese first suggested him for a job) and doesn’t need to coach (he’s a self-made millionaire), Michael Cheika…
World Cup 2015: Who makes our Team of the Pool Stage?
15 Ben Smith (New Zealand) Japan’s Ayumu Goromaru went close but how can you not go with this immensely likeable All Black? Smith has made eight clean breaks from his…
Shut down Pocock or it’s over for England
It comes as no surprise but Michael Cheika confirmed on Thursday that England will face the world’s leading breakdown duo in their do-or-die clash at Twickenham on Saturday. David Pocock…
Analysis: Giteau, Pocock and Mitchell – Wallabies emerging from the wilderness
The Rugby World Cup narrative has already taken so many intriguing twists and turns that December 3, 2012 – when each nation discovered their group-stage opponents – feels like a…
Sam Warburton: Rugby’s best opensides
Best for game intelligence – Martyn Williams (Wales) “Martyn was my hero growing up. He was the first person I met at the Blues on my first day in the…
QBE Internationals: Players to watch
THE AUTUMN Internationals start tomorrow, expect these players to make an impact in the coming weeks As a straight-running crash ball centre on the fringes of the Leicester squad three…