One Percenters: Pocock praised for care of Bledisloe rival

Sun, Aug 19, 2018, 8:29 AM
Sam Phillips and Beth Newman
by Sam Phillips and Beth Newman
David Pocock shows his concern for Ryan Crotty at ANZ Stadium. Photo: Getty Images

David Pocock praised for his care for a rival, the Sio clan host the Wallabies hordes, Australian rugby helps struggling mates from the bush and lots more. It's all here in One Percenters.

Pocock's concern for Crotty praised

All Blacks flanker Sam Cane has added his voice to a chorus of congratulations for David Pocock after the Wallabies flanker showed on-field concern for injured New Zealand centre Ryan Crotty on Saturday night.

The All Blacks no. 12 was knocked out in a head clash with teammate Jack Goodhue early in the game, as the Crusaders teammates tried to tackle Lukhan Tui.

As Crotty lay on the ground and play continued away, a worried Pocock stayed with the Kiwi until medical help arrived.

That action drew plenty of praise on social media, particularly from Crotty's sister Shea - who is a pro basketball player.


Speaking on Sunday, Cane said Pocock's gesture was appreciated by the All Blacks.

“It speaks pretty highly of his character and the type of guy he is if he’s willing to put the battle to one side in that moment and put the player’s welfare first,” Cane told Fox Sports.

“So, thank you David.”

It was Crotty's sixth concussion in 15 months, and he will miss the second Test in Auckland. His sister Thea also posted on Twitter her concerns about his ongoing health, and questioned whether he should keep playing rugby.



Scott Sio was ruled out of the Wallabies' Bledisloe opener but his family played a big role in their lead-up.

The entire national squad and staff went to Sio's family home in Sydney's west for Tuesday night dinner.

It's a fair bet the Sios know how to feed a big group of rugby players.

Along with Scott, brother Pat plays for Eastwood and sisters Ana-Lise and Tina also play for NSW in the Super W competition.

Dad David also played for Samoa.

Kieran reads bedtime stories


Ever wanted an All Blacks captain to put your kids to sleep? Well, Kieran Read has answered your prayers.

The New Zealand skipper has recorded a new podcast where he reads children's bedtime stories.

Read is a pretty cool customer most of the time, so he may just have the credentials to soothe troublesome kids to sleep with his voice.

Voice of Rugby makes a misstep

Popular commentator Gordon Bray sparked social media backlash with the use of the term 'golliwog' in Saturday night's Bledisoe Cup match.

Talking about returning hooker Tatafu Polota-nau, the long-time caller said he didn't recognise the rake with the short back and sides look asking 'Where's the golliwog haircut?'.

It was an off the cuff remark that did not go down well with many people watching the broadcast.

Bray apologised for the comment on Sunday, telling Fairfax that it was meant in an affectionate way and was not intended to offend.

Wallabies contribute to farmers' relief

The Wallabies used their recent Leichhardt Oval trial to raise money for drought-affected farmers and the numbers are starting to come in.

More than $60,000 was raised for the cause, and 30 signed jerseys have been sent to affected areas for organisations to auction off.

Close to 750 farmers took up a Rugby Australia ticket offer for Saturday night's Bledisloe as well, giving them a night away from their drought-stricken farms.

Namibia the latest piece in the RWC 2019 puzzle

Namibia has secured a spot in the 2019 Rugby World Cup after beating Kenya 53-28.

Their reward? A position in Pool B to face the All Blacks, South Africa and Italy.

The final team in the pool will be decided by a repechage competition later this year, with Kenya, Hong Kong, Germany and Canad in the mix for that.

Fan takes prize against the odds at ANZ

The Wallabies couldn't spring a surprise win in Sydney but one of the 66,318 fans at the Bledisloe pulled off a victory against the odds.

Selected fans have a chance to kick a ball off a tee into the boot of a Land Rover to win the car.

Plenty tried and failed in June but one man slotted the unlikely shot on Saturday night, surprising himself and everyone watching on.

The only downside? The evidence suggests he was an All Blacks fan.

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