mst
Peter Johnson (47)
Machine work won't replicate the range of motion that free weights will, and I'm not sure if machines or free weights would necessarily replicate the collisions in a match situation (although free weights would be closer).
But Pocock posted some of his recovery training on twitter; much of his recovery was core-based and lower-body-based, not beach muscle-based, and with a hell of a lot of free weights. One exercise that made me wince was putting a barbell on his shoulders and then backing up against a wall so the weights were rolling against it, then lowering down on one leg -- like a combo one-legged squat/wall sit -- and then exploding back up.
No idea what could have caused this latest re-injury. Maybe he rushed the recovery in the gym, so the muscles built up quickly to provide superficial support, but the ligament didn't properly heal. But it does seem like the guys who reached bodybuilder status at a young age have more of these ligament and tendon issues than the rest of us mortals.
To back up what you are saying mxyzpylk, from my earlier post, the Brumbies had identified issues with him and are trying to correct them and extend his career.
And just like the 6 Million Dollar Man the Brumbies will re-build him for the betterment of the ARU and Australian Rugby.
http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/02/12/pococks-body-has-been-rebuilt-larkham/
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/brumbies-plan-to-make-david-pocock-man-of-many-talents-20140227-33meh.html