Keith Wood called the Australian’s 80-minute effort ‘as good a display of rugby as you will see from any player anywhere’.
David Pocock bled for his country today.
Then, he was patched up and bled some more.
The Australian No.8 delivered the type of performance that will be told around bar-rooms and clubhouses for decades to come as he inspired his side to their first World Cup final in 12 years.
The forward teamed up with back row partners Michael Hooper and Scott Fardy as they went toe-to-toe with a ferocious Pumas team. Former Leinster lock Kane Douglas, meanwhile, was the top tackler – landing 16 hits on blue and white shirts.
Pocock connected with 13 gargantuan tackles, secured a couple of vital turnovers and disrupted Argentinean ball at the breakdown all day long.
At the match’s conclusion, Pocock sought out Argentina’s Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe to thank him for the contest and offer his consolation.
TV cameras captured the face of a man that had been through a war.
Next Saturday, after six nights’ rest, Pocock will suit up and do it all over again.
His opponents should be Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read. He wouldn’t have it any other way.
