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.”
