Pocock gooooone?
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<p>Looks like he's thinking of following in the footsteps of Anton Oliver, Mark Ranby, Joe Roff, Dan Vickerman, Jamie Roberts etc</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/10/david-pocock-considers-12-month-break-from-rugby-to-study-in-england'>http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/10/david-pocock-considers-12-month-break-from-rugby-to-study-in-england</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
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<div style="margin:auto auto;">David Pocock considers 12-month break from rugby to study in England </div> </div> </div> <div> <div style="margin:0px auto;"> <div style="margin:auto auto;"> <div style="font-family:'Guardian Egyptian Web', 'Guardian Text Egyptian Web', Georgia, serif;color:rgb(118,118,118);"> <ul><li>Wallabies World Cup star weighing up sabbatical at Oxford or Cambridge</li> <li>Brumbies chief executive says such a move would create ‘all sorts of problems’</li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div><div style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:'Guardian Text Egyptian Web', Georgia, serif;font-size:medium;">
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<a class="" href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/10/david-pocock-considers-12-month-break-from-rugby-to-study-in-england#img-1"><span></span></a> David Pocock was a star performer for Australia at last year’s World Cup, but the Wallabies may have to make do without him for the next 12 months. Photograph: Kieran Galvin/Rex Shutterstock<div>
<p class="" style="font-weight:bold;color:rgb(118,118,118);">Australian Associated Press</p>
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<p>Australia international David Pocock is expected to decide within the next 10 days whether to take a sabbatical from Australian rugby in 2017 to study.</p>
<p>The Brumbies back-rower is locked in an Australian Rugby Union contract until the end of this season, but is said to be weighing up a year-long move overseas to pursue interests outside of the game.</p>
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<div><img src="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/d4941b714de5ad2bd37e4d3e53a41a42b563f16a/0_100_3069_1843/3069.jpg?w=460&q=85&auto=format&sharp=10&s=d2b2f34203328ff95f860276f7e0a4d1" alt="3069.jpg?w=460&q=85&auto=format&sharp=10"></div>
<div style="font-family:'Guardian Egyptian Web', 'Guardian Text Egyptian Web', Georgia, serif;"><a class="">Quade Cooper hopeful of Australia sevens debut with agreement in place</a> </div> <div> <div></div> <div style="font-family:'Guardian Egyptian Web', 'Guardian Text Egyptian Web', Georgia, serif;color:rgb(0,86,137);">Read more</div> </div> </div> </div><p>Pocock, the Wallabies’ best player at the 2015 World Cup, is currently in discussions with Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham and chief executive Michael Jones. Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has also reportedly been in Canberra to discuss the 27-year-old’s future.</p>
<p>“We acknowledge he’s probably one of the best players in the world and we want him at the Brumbies,†Jones told ABC Radio on Wednesday. “The problem is, the demand and the interest in David has skyrocketed.</p>
<p>“We’ve sort of had the first offer to him and a counter-offer back ... so I would say a week or 10 days and we should have it wrapped up hopefully.â€</p>
<p>While not ideal in the Brumbies’ minds, allowing Pocock to attend Oxford or Cambridge University for a year would still give him two full Super Rugby seasons to prepare for the 2019 World Cup.</p>
<p>As well as being pursued by cashed-up Japanese and French clubs, he is also being touted as a possible replacement for Liam Gill at the Queensland Reds after the flanker announced a new deal with Toulon from 2017.</p>
<p>Pocock is currently studying for a Bachelor of Ecological Agricultural Systems degree, however he has not confirmed whether he will continue in this direction next year.</p>
<p>Jones said Pocock had for some time indicated interests beyond rugby but his rise to prominence at last year’s World Cup got him re-energised and excited about the game again.</p>
<p>“So I think he’s got a bit of a conflict within himself about where he’s going and what he’s doing,†added Jones.</p>
<p>Pocock is set to play in Friday’s trial match against the Queensland Reds at Ballymore, after being rested from last weekend’s trial loss to the NSW Waratahs in Wagga Wagga.</p>
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<p></p><p> </p> -
<p>He's always danced to the beat of his own drum. Good on him for looking at the rest of his life now. If he makes it back he does but I'm sure he won't lose sleep over it</p>
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<p>Mark Ranby......gosh there's a name I haven't heard for awhile.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="557905" data-time="1455136508">
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<p>Mark Ranby......gosh there's a name I haven't heard for awhile.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Remembered for being AB #1001.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="557906" data-time="1455136740">
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<p>Remembered for being AB #1001.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>....and for everyone saying "Thank fuck" when Alama Ieremia came back from injury to take the 13 jersey back off him for the mighty Canes in 1998.</p> -
Has Bonocock tweeted his thoughts on the TPPA yet?
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="jegga" data-cid="557911" data-time="1455139100">
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<p>Has Bonocock tweeted his thoughts on the TPPA yet?</p>
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<p>I don't really think that's fair. It's not like he stops mid rugby game to preach to you. Were as the U2 concert I went to that is exactly what Bono did. For 15 minutes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Joke was on him though I was too drunk to give a shit.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="jegga" data-cid="557911" data-time="1455139100">
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<p>Has Bonocock tweeted his thoughts on the TPPA yet?</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Can't remember him tweeting anything about it. Maybe he doesn't feel qualified to comment on such complex financial matters? I mean, I don't know any pro rugby player that would have the time to get up to speed on that sort of thing enough to broadcast their opinion.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>:think:</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NTA" data-cid="558023" data-time="1455179091">
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<p>Can't remember him tweeting anything about it. Maybe he doesn't feel qualified to comment on such complex financial matters? I mean, I don't know any pro rugby player that would have the time to get up to speed on that sort of thing enough to broadcast their opinion.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> :think:</p>
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<p> </p>
<p><img src="http://www.h2g2.com/h2g2/skins/Alabaster/images/Smilies/f_facepalm.gif" alt="f_facepalm.gif"></p> -
<p><img src="http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/10/s_2049.jpg" alt="s_2049.jpg"></p>
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<p>I like that Pocock fella...except for about 80 minutes 3-4 times a year when he's a total fluffybunny :)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Nearly always impressed by someone who's prepared to speak up for the benefit of the persecuted i.e. fags and trees</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I spoiled my goodwill message at the end didn't I ? :think:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But I don't hate Pocock, weakens the Wallabies appreciably by his absence though :good:</p> -
<p>I should add Mark Robinson to that list. Who actually made the ABs AFTER studying at Cambridge, which is a bit unusual. </p>
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<p>You ever run into ex Otago and Richmond winger Jason Wright at Cambridge Te Waio?</p>
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<p>"Pocock, the Wallabies’ best player at the 2015 World Cup" was he their best player by the end of the RWC though? Looked a bit burnt out or out-thought to me.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Siam" data-cid="558054" data-time="1455191182">
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<p>You ever run into ex Otago and Richmond winger Jason Wright at Cambridge Te Waio?</p>
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<p> Nope...was there 05-09 and then again 11-13</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="nostrildamus" data-cid="558055" data-time="1455191855">
<div>
<p>"Pocock, the Wallabies’ best player at the 2015 World Cup" was he their best player by the end of the RWC though? Looked a bit burnt out or out-thought to me.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Do you have another nomination?</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NTA" data-cid="558081" data-time="1455220006">
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<p>Do you have another nomination?</p>
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<p>Douglas and Fardy were superior simply amongst the forwards.</p> -
Good riddance you jazz hands waving greenie poofter.
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<p>LOL @ Rancid. What is it you don't like about him, specifically? Its not really clear from that. ;)</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="rotated" data-cid="558092" data-time="1455221787">
<div>
<p>Douglas and Fardy were superior simply amongst the forwards.</p>
</div>
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<p> </p>
<p>Douglas was a massive loss in the final. He and Fardy were two standouts for sure and their work allowed others (incl Pocock) to do their thing. But Pocock was probably better across the whole tournament, if not at the end, just in terms of threatening opposition ball. Just wasn't as effective against the ABs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Was just nice to see our forward pack operating as a forward pack, for a change.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NTA" data-cid="558140" data-time="1455229930">
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<p>LOL @ Rancid. What is it you don't like about him, specifically? Its not really clear from that. ;)</p>
<p> </p>
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<p>It's obviously a jealousy thing :)</p> -
<p>surprised MN5 hasn't come out of the closest and expressed his love of Pococks guns!</p>
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<p>Rancid is a massive conservative. He'd probably prefer Pocock - in the absence of just shutting up and playing rugby - to be a coal-mining, homophobic, Muslim-hating, wife-beater who goes out beating up Indian students after the game with the boys for "a bit of fun on a fridee night"</p>
<p> </p>
<p>;)</p> -
No no I really do admire the enormous sacrifices he's made for the very unfashionable causes he's championed.<br><br>
👠-
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NTA" data-cid="558140" data-time="1455229930">
<div><br><p>Douglas was a massive loss in the final. He and Fardy were two standouts for sure and their work allowed others (incl Pocock) to do their thing. But Pocock was probably better across the whole tournament, if not at the end, just in terms of threatening opposition ball. Just wasn't as effective against the ABs.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Interesting, Pocock was admittedly ineffective against the ABs, didn't play the quarter final and to my eye was not a stand out in the semi final besides multiple missed tackles - yet was still the MVP of the tournament. Must've really done some damage against Uruguay or Fiji.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="558147" data-time="1455230286">
<div>
<p>surprised MN5 hasn't come out of the closest and expressed his love of Pococks guns!</p>
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</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I generally like my blokes a bit taller, leaner.....Pococks guns are almost too cartoonish but apparently he only deadlifts 240kg which isn't a hell of a lot more than me at my best.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="rotated" data-cid="558200" data-time="1455236294">
<div>
<p>Interesting, Pocock was admittedly ineffective against the ABs, didn't play the quarter final and to my eye was not a stand out in the semi final besides multiple missed tackles - yet was still the MVP of the tournament. Must've really done some damage against Uruguay or Fiji.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Yeah. Or those guys in the white shirts... England, was it?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Guess they don't count in this context, based on the TSF clause that states "Once an Aussie side humiliates an opponent, said opponent will immediately be ranked Utter Fucking Shite because of the Only Australia clause. Bro"</p> -
<p>Pocock was awesome in the world cup. I cannot believe anyone thinks otherwise</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SammyC" data-cid="558238" data-time="1455240523">
<div>
<p>Pocock was awesome in the world cup. I cannot believe anyone thinks otherwise</p>
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</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Fucken shit with the ball in hand though, about as much impact as a fly hitting a windshield.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SammyC" data-cid="558238" data-time="1455240523">
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<p>Pocock was awesome in the world cup. I cannot believe anyone thinks otherwise</p>
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</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Bernie Larkham was quoted the other day as saying Pocock made a big difference to winning or losing for the Wallabies.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Kind of sad its come to that, but his fitness and focus is streets ahead.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="SammyC" data-cid="558238" data-time="1455240523">
<div>
<p>Pocock was awesome in the world cup. I cannot believe anyone thinks otherwise</p>
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</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>this is Rotated claiming otherwise, he has history of putting blinkers on when it comes to some things.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="NTA" data-cid="558245" data-time="1455241375">
<div>
<p>Bernie Larkham was quoted the other day as saying Pocock made a big difference to winning or losing for the Wallabies.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Kind of sad its come to that, but his fitness and focus is streets ahead.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Robbie Deans said the same in his book</p> -
<p>He was immense against England and Wales. The funny thing was though that every time Australia got a turnover or a penalty the coms screamed that it was Pocock when it was in fact Fardy or Hoopah.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Excellent player and ultimate professional. BUT, imho his lack of a running game prevents him from being a great player.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="MN5" data-cid="557905" data-time="1455136508">
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<p>Mark Ranby......gosh there's a name I haven't heard for awhile.</p>
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<p>I had a few graduate classes with him when doing my Masters, really nice guy. I'm a bit disappointed I wasn't snapped up to go to Cambridge too. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Rancid Schnitzel" data-cid="558126" data-time="1455229328">
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<p>Good riddance you jazz hands waving greenie poofter.</p>
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<p>Shouldn't it be poofter lover or are you outing him?</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="rotated" data-cid="558092" data-time="1455221787">
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<p>Douglas and Fardy were superior simply amongst the forwards.</p>
</div>
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<p>Ah, the Fardy myth, as you may or may not know I watched a bunch of replays of WC games and concentrated on Fardy due to the fluffing he was getting ... I'm glad we have Kaino.</p> -
<p>You're flat out wrong Nepia, give it a rest. </p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="558282" data-time="1455244754">
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<p>I had a few graduate classes with him when doing my Masters, really nice guy. I'm a bit disappointed I wasn't snapped up to go to Cambridge too. </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Shouldn't it be poofter lover or are you outing him?</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ah, the Fardy myth, as you may or may not know I watched a bunch of replays of WC games and concentrated on Fardy due to the fluffing he was getting ... I'm glad we have Kaino.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Stop being such a disgusting homophobe Nepia. 20k fine for you.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="mariner4life" data-cid="558299" data-time="1455247999">
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<p>You're flat out wrong Nepia, give it a rest. </p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>No I'm not, if you think he was awesome then that's all good, I disagree he was up to the hype and am happy we had Kaino instead. As for give it a rest, if we have to give it a rest whenever we disagree this place will grind to a halt.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="558282" data-time="1455244754">
<div>
<p>Ah, the Fardy myth, as you may or may not know I watched a bunch of replays of WC games and concentrated on Fardy due to the fluffing he was getting ... I'm glad we have Kaino.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Not saying he is a world beater but he certainly outplayed an injured and often overmatched Pocock during that tournament which was the question from NTA.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Fardy does manage to get through a lot of grunt work and tackles very efficiently which stands out with Australia's at times porous defence. He still manages the odd snipe too, but I find he picks his spots a little better than Pocock turning the ball over in better field position. Pocock at international level is the king of the turnover between his own 22 and halfway where there is usually very little opportunity to capitalise - I don't believe he had a single turnover in the opposition half the whole tournament.</p> -
<p>Don't get me wrong I thought Pocock was brilliant at the start to the middle/sudden death stage, but due to injury or other factors he seemed to me to lack that spark he had at the start. And I'd say he has worked on his linebreaking. Fardy and Hooper? Have to say it was more all loosies actually played as a team, but it was also good to see Douglas play well. In the backs, well, they had their moments but not consistently against the top teams. Ok, yeah I think overall Pocock was the best.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="rotated" data-cid="558398" data-time="1455289863"><p>
Not saying he is a world beater but he certainly outplayed an injured and often overmatched Pocock during that tournament which was the question from NTA.<br><br>
Fardy does manage to get through a lot of grunt work and tackles very efficiently which stands out with Australia's at times porous defence. He still manages the odd snipe too, but I find he picks his spots a little better than Pocock turning the ball over in better field position. Pocock at international level is the king of the turnover between his own 22 and halfway where there is usually very little opportunity to capitalise - I don't believe he had a single turnover in the opposition half the whole tournament.</p></blockquote>
It's quite a handy defensive trick though.<br><br>
Pocock is an awesome player but imo the Aussies suffered from trying to shoe horn Pocock AND Hooper in. Stuffed their lineout and balance of their loosies. Good for us though.<br><br>
Still much preferred our loosies. As a group and as individuals. <br><br>
BTW If Sam Cane was an Aussie he'd be getting the same adulation imo. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="booboo" data-cid="558411" data-time="1455308113">
<div>
<p>Pocock is an awesome player but imo the Aussies suffered from trying to shoe horn Pocock AND Hoopah in. Stuffed their lineout and balance of their loosies. Good for us though.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>I think it was more down to shit throwing by Moore (for a unit, his throwing action indicates a weak core) and the loss of Douglas to hit some grunt work for 60, then let Mumm on.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I liken the loss of Douglas in the first quarter to you guys losing Brodie Retallick. He's such an important part of the grunt.</p>
