Wed 24 Feb 2016 | 09:26
True Grit: The David Pocock Story - Part 1

8
Comments

To most rugby fans, David Pocock is that Wallaby who cannot be moved off the ball. Dig a little deeper though, and you'll find that he's a unique individual with a fascinating story. In this enlightening film, we get to travel back to his former homeland to learn more.

Pocock, still just 27, is arguably one of the best rugby players on the planet right now.

But fifteen years ago his family's lives were turned upside down as they fled politically savaged Zimbabwe, searching for a more peaceful upbringing for the three brothers in Australia.

In this short documentary we see David and partner Emma travel back to southern Africa, visiting his family's farms and explaining, through the use of extensive home footage, exactly what the early days were like, and how the trauma has shaped those who experienced it.

Pocock talks about always wanting to be a professional rugby player, aiming to be a Springbok from a young age, and then when moving to Brisbane took things to another level with extreme dedication, perhaps as a way of coping with the past.

It is a fascinating insight into not only the life of modern rugby great, but the documentary also covers an important piece of history, an unfortunate circumstance that has shaped Pocock's drive for effecting social and enviromental change in both Australia and Africa.

Note: 27 minutes long. Part 2 will be posted next week

8 Comments

  • danknapp
    6:15 PM 29/02/2016

    Hopefully he has a micropenis, and the universe remains in balance.

  • danknapp
    3:35 PM 29/02/2016

    Ah, ok, so she took his name, or just a weird coincidence? I know of a couple who both had the same name 'Ashley Smith' or something before they got married...

  • rookvdskyf
    4:26 PM 27/02/2016

    Esteemed Mr Pocock and family. I have a great deal of respect and empathy for you all and hope to see your regular return to Southern Africa both as a player and as a local. You are always welcome.
    Respectful regards
    Rook

  • drg
    10:41 PM 26/02/2016

    Videos of Little David show calf muscles that would put most adults to shame!

  • eddie-g
    7:52 PM 25/02/2016

    She's not his wife. They decided they won't get married till there is marriage equality in Australia.

    I sometimes think too much is made of sportsmen being role models... but this guy, he's on a different level. Truly amazing bloke.

  • drg
    7:13 PM 25/02/2016

    No mention of the high chances that he probably has a massive cock too?

  • danknapp
    11:29 AM 25/02/2016

    One of the world's best players.
    By all accounts a great bloke.
    I guess he's handsome enough.
    Has an intelligent and good-looking wife.
    Seems to possess a sense of perspective.



    Git.

  • 10stonenumber10
    11:15 PM 24/02/2016

    Hearing Pocock talk about his troubles at the end is quite sobering. Like a lot of top sportsmen, he has pangs of "The Wilkinsons" about him. You don't expect a man of his calibre to talk about anxieties, fears, and issues he had with his own personal image and rugby development.

    I'm not saying 450 crunches a night and ultra low fat foods is the way to go, but the sheer physical and mental sacrifices are astounding, you don't become a pro without that sort of fire, I think I speak for the whole rugby fraternity when I say I am glad he found his feet.

    I say it every time we see one of these videos. At the end of the day, these guys might be superheroes on the field, but at the end of the day they are just flesh and blood like everyone else.

    Rock on Dave. Rock on.