Pocock good to go
Brumbies flank David Pocock is in the final stages of his rehab programme having recovered from a knee reconstruction that ruled him out of the majority of 2013.
Physically, Brumbies rehabilitation coach Ben Serpell has reported Pocock to be in top condition. He said the pre-season was a good chance for the Wallaby captain to build on his physical fitness and get more rugby practice before the 2014 Super Rugby season kicked off.
Pocock is enjoying his first pre-season since 2007, with this period usually occupied by national commitments with the Wallabies and an end-of-year tour of Europe.
He said it was all systems go for the team as it prepared for the coming year of ACT rugby.
“I’m good to go, second week of pre-season and the guys have been working really hard which is what you want out of a pre-season,” Pocock said.
“Pre-season is always a bit of a different feel to rest of the year, with the Wallabies away and everyone getting back into processes but we’re settled and looking forward to the next three months.
“There’s a few guys getting back from injury, Patty McCabe and Ruaidhri Murphy were both back out there today [Thursday] and looking good.
“My last pre-season was 2007 so it’s been a while. They are usually a pretty dreaded period because it’s such a long slog, but the way they’ve structured it here we have a few three days breaks along the way so we’ll be fresh and fit for the trial matches early next year.”
Pocock is on track to feature in the Brumbies season start, with the first match against the Reds at Canberra Stadium on February 22.
Meanwhile, the Brumbies have snapped up 21-year-old New Zealand lock Jack Whetton, son of former All Black Gary Whetton.
Whetton has played two seasons in New Zealand's NPC Cup with Northland and Auckland respectively.
"I monitored Jack's performance closely through the NPC Cup and was impressed with his mobility and work ethic," forwards coach Laurie Fisher said.
"He has plenty of rough edges but a genuine desire to maximise his ability. He will fit well into the program and with hard work will make the gains both he and we desire."
