Pocock is currently out of action with a serious knee injury and will miss November’s Millennium Stadium encounter as a result but he insists he is all set to play his part when Wales face Australia at Twickenham on October 10.
The 25-year-old, who had established himself as one of the world’s pre-eminent players with a series of stunning performances for his country prior to 2013, has endured a nightmare 12 months having twice had to undergo reconstructive surgery on his knee.
The first operation ruled him out of last summer’s series with the British & Irish Lions and a personal dual with Wales skipper Sam Warburton and the second will see him sidelined until at least the end of the current Super Rugby season.
But, despite the severity of the setbacks, Pocock insists talk of retirement is a million miles off the mark as he targets a return to fitness and form in advance of the 2015 season.
“This isn’t career-ending: there’s a lot to do before I get back playing again but the World Cup is what every player in Australia is chasing next year,” said Pocock.
“To get there you have be in good form and that’s the goal. I hope to be back better than before. There are no sure things in sport but I’ll do everything I can to get back there.
“There are a lot of guys who have come back from two knee reconstructions. I never contemplated giving (rugby) away. This is a challenge, but I don’t see it as career-ending, that’s for sure.”
Pocock’s most-recent knee problem occurred when he attempted to change direction while playing for the Brumbies against his old side the Force and he subsequently had surgery on Wednesday, March 6.
He admits that it’s been tough to get his head around the fact that he will have only played a handful of games for the Canberra-based franchise in the first two years of a lucrative three-year contract but a healthy sense of perspective is currently keeping his mind in check.
“To be honest, it hasn’t been the best two weeks. But I guess you have to stop thinking, ‘why did this happen to me’? and change to ‘what can I make of this opportunity’?” added Pocock.
“I want to be out there, I haven’t enjoyed my rugby this much in a long time. I came to Canberra for a new challenge and a change and it’s been that. I’ve loved everything about it, apart from the injuries. I do want to repay the Brumbies for the opportunity they gave me and hopefully I can do that next year.
“In the scheme of things, a knee reconstruction is pretty small compared to what a lot of people in society are going through. Having involvement outside of rugby is important so you’re not in a little bubble and this isn’t the end of the world.”
