David Pocock's World Cup hopes have been dangling by a muscle thread for eight months, but when the definitive call finally came he was missing in action.
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The champion flanker left his phone at home and missed the call from World Cup-winner Rod McCall, who had been given the task of telling Pocock his fate.
McCall was a fitting choice for the ex-Wallaby to give Pocock his news given the former Queensland finished his international career at the 1995 World Cup.
That's exactly what Pocock intends to do after the Wallabies' campaign in Japan next month and he has vowed to make the most of his opportunity after an injury-plagued year.
Pocock has been cleared to take part in the tournament after overcoming a rare calf injury, which prematurely ended his Super Rugby career and threatened his World Cup chances.
When Pocock eventually returned to his phone, he spoke to McCall about the challenge ahead and what it was like to play your final Test at a World Cup.
"This is the goal I've been working towards and you do everything you can to get back as quick as you can," Pocock said.
"When things aren't going well, there are always doubts. But that's normal, it's part of being human.
"As a young player it's hard to imagine the end. I'm at the point now where I can see how this is it, I'm at the end of my career. I want to make the absolutely most of this opportunity I have and enjoy the time I have with this group of men.
"I had a really good chat to [McCall]. He finished up after 1995, so he had some good insights. It was a really nice touch having a former player, it connects you to the past."
Wallabies players gathered in Sydney on Thursday night and spoke about their pride in the gold jersey before being officially unveiled at an announcement on Friday morning.
It was a special moment for Pocock, who hasn't played a game since March and has managed just three matches since November last year.
The tournament in Japan will be his third World Cup, but there were genuine fears he would miss selection as he struggled to overcome a seemingly innocuous calf injury.
He has been working tirelessly with former AIS head physiotherapist Craig Purdam and the team at Elite Physio in Canberra to do everything possible to be available.
In the end the silver lining to failing to play a game in the past eight months could mean Pocock's battered body is the freshest its been in his World Cup history.
He battled back injury in 2011 and then calf problems in 2015, but years of being twisted and pulled at the breakdown were put on hold this year to focus on rehabilitation.
"I'm feeling good now. I'll get through a bunch of running and contact before I play again, but I am feeling good," Pocock said.
"You've got to look for positives and the fact I haven't had a [long Super Rugby season] is one. The World Cup is grueling. It's potentially seven games in a row, all intense ... we'll be ready for that."
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is confident Pocock can return to his best despite his long lay-off, but is unsure how he will use the 31-year-old in tandem with captain Michael Hooper.
WALLABIES SQUAD
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Rory Arnold, Adam Coleman, Jack Dempsey, Folau Faingaa, Michael Hooper, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Isi Naisarani, David Pocock, Izack Rodda, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese.
Backs: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, James O'Connor, Jordan Petaia, Matt Toomua, Nic White.