David Pocock set to become the youngest player to play 50 games for a professional rugby club
Zimbabwe born Western Force and Wallabies open side flanker, David Pocock, will make history in the Super Rugby championship, as he will take the field during their upcoming encounter against the Waratahs at Aussie Stadium on Saturday, May 7.
23-year-old David Pocock will become the youngest player to play 50 games for a professional rugby club during the weekends encounter. Pocock is associated with Western Force since its inclusion in the Super Rugby competition in 2006.
Pocock returned to the side for the first time in two months as Force played against the Crusaders last weekend. Pocock earlier suffered from a knee Injury that has delayed his record for a few months.
Pocock has preferred playing for a team and playing a hand in the teams win to achieve the personal milestone. He said, “I think for every player a big motivation is being part of a team that's winning and getting the respect of the guys you're playing with."
With respect to his 50th appearance, he said, "For me this week is definitely all about the team against the Waratahs."
During 2008, Pocock made his Wallabies debut in Hong Kong as he took the field against their archrivals All Blacks. During 2009 tri nations, Pocock replaced Wallaby open side flanker George Smith as he slowly cemented his place in the national side based
on his phenomenal performance.
David Pocock has made 18 appearances for the Wallabies and has scored five points so far. After the All Blacks and Crusaders Richie McCaw, Pocock is considered the second best flanker in the world if not the best. Pocock, before sustaining an injury to his
knee, had enjoyed a phenomenal last year in which his performance by many is termed as “simply outstanding”.
Force Coach Richard Graham has also praised Pocock’s learning aptitude and his commitment to the game.
Besides Pocock, Force’s skipper Nathan Sharpe, Cameron Shepherd, Richard Brown, Tai McIsaac and Matt Hodgson have made 50 appearances for the Western Force.
Force so far have played 11 matches in the super xv and have won three matches. However, with the return of Pocock and Matt Hodgson Western Force will fancy their chances to beat the injury struck Waratahs.
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