This World Cup has been characterized not by perfect 10s but by exceptional sevens, despite all the noise and coverage surrounding Dan Carter, Jonny Wilkinson, and Quade Cooper.
While the renowned fly-halves may still have their modeling contracts and skincare endorsements, they can keep them. The open-side flankers are making waves – and the message is unmistakable: step aside, glamourpuss, the jackal in the tackle has arrived.
Each of the four semi-finalists this weekend boasts a number seven that instills deep fear in the hearts of their opponents.
Wales feature Sam Warburton, France possesses the steadfast Thierry Dusautoir (who ironically dons the number six in the French style); New Zealand showcases the tireless Richie McCaw, and Australia fields the formidable Queenslander David Pocock, 23, known as ‘Bam Bam’.
It’s no coincidence that three of the four happen to be their nation’s captains. Don’t be fooled into thinking Pocock is any less than their equal simply because he isn’t – yet.
He might even be the standout of the group. Rugby logic suggests that the Wallabies’ 11-9 theft of victory from South Africa last Sunday was an unlikely event. The Springboks dominated with 76% of territory and spent 11 minutes in the opposition 22.
The improbability was due in part to an early injury to South Africa’s own breakdown specialist Heinrich Brussow, but even more so to Pocock’s impressive stats – 26 tackles, three of his team’s remarkable nine turnovers, and numerous disruptions to the opposition’s game.
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans hailed it as the best individual performance of the tournament thus far. However, some in the opposing team’s colors were less convinced.
Jackals have never been beloved creatures. Their scavenging and opportunistic stealing tend to ruffle the feathers of those in possession, which partly explains why Pocock’s stellar display was tagged with a rather unflattering c-word in certain circles this week – “cheat.”
Pocock has chosen not to take the bait. “It’s been quite amusing this week, looking at my Twitter timeline and observing fan reactions,” he mentioned during a packed news conference.
“It’s pretty common these days for number sevens to receive some heat from the opposition and that includes McCaw as well.”
If Pocock exhibits standout traits, they align with the traditional strengths of his role – swift engagement in tackles and a robust, low-body position when he makes contact.
His absence due to a back injury was crucial in the 15-9 pool loss to Ireland. Against the Springboks, he functioned not merely as a continual irritation but more like a human JCB, with his long yellow arms adeptly reaching down to extract the ball from the tangled mass of green shirts with unwavering energy and precision.
“You have to get in as quickly as possible,” he explained. “As an arriving player, if the ruck hasn’t formed, you hold all the rights and you maintain those rights unless you place your hands on the ball.
“That’s the key focus – and then paying attention to what the referee indicates.”
