Photos: Getty
Clockwise: David Pocock is anything but a poser; with Oz coach Robbie Deans; and doing what he does best
wouldn’t it be easier to just keep his mouth shut? “Not everyone likes that I’ve spoken out or weighed into the debate on those two issues but they’re really important to me, so it’s worth it,” he tells us. “There is often the old ‘sports and politics don’t mix’ line, but I think that’s rubbish. Sports people benefit so much from society so it’s important they’re giving back by being a good role model and engaging politically – it’s important that young people take an interest in current issues and become involved in more than clicktivism and sharing a Facebook status or watching a YouTube clip.” Fond memories of “barefoot rugby in baggy jumpers” when growing up in Gweru, Zimbabwe, are the foundation for Pocock’s attitude to rugby, with memories of “kicking the ball around with my brothers ‘til the light faded as my dad coached the high school first 15”. Despite being a proud Aussie, he says Zimbabwe still has “a special place in my heart”. He’s kept that connection strong through the charity he co-founded, 80/20 Vision. “The work we’re doing with a community development project is really important,” he says. “Our focuses are food and water, security, health and education – areas that require more attention across the world.” Pocock knows that he wouldn’t get such a forum if he wasn’t such a dynamite on the field. And since he burst into international rugby in 2008, he’s been challenging Richie McCaw for the title of world’s best flanker. Rugby fans missed out on his already legendary head-to-head with the All Blacks captain this season – it’s a clash that decides the best player in the world for some observers. “I stay out of that,” he says of this debate. “He’s a great player who’s achieved a ridiculous amount in rugby, and he deserves the accolades he receives.” Why is McCaw so good? “His ability to play on the edge of the laws, timing and picking his moments – it’s what good flankers do,” Pocock says of the veteran. There’s no way he’d say it himself – it’s not his style – but that’s exactly what Pocock does, and he’s just getting started.
England skipper Chris Robshaw
HEMISPHERES COLLIDE NORTH V SOUTH IN TESTS It’ll be the unofficial championship between the north and south hemispheres from this weekend, when the top teams from both regions clash for a month. The series kicks off this week with a super Saturday – France host Australia at the State de France, England and Fiji clash at Twickenham, Wales take on Argentina at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and the green teams, Ireland and South Africa, meet at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. After dominating the Rugby Championship, the All Blacks had a blip with a draw against the Wallabies in the third Bledisloe match and will expect to dominate. But coach Steve Hansen isn’t taking anything for granted, saying northern hemisphere tours “always bring unique challenges” and “big occasions”. Despite disappointing form over the southern winter, the Wallabies are aiming for four wins in four games to send off captain Nathan Sharpe on a high.
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