@Jaguares4real for those that kick off either foot it definitely shouldn't be an issue. But if they are limited kicking-wise it can be a factor. With the number of hybrid winger-fullbacks it's become less of an issue in recent times.

Hmm in saying that I am not sure if I've even seen Reiko kick for touch!?

They should go for a millenial bond under the number 420. Imagine the gadgets you could add to a vape pen and e-scooter

Back and shoulders last night. Was feeling my leg doms so that made push pressing interesting. Wrist is getting better, feels like using it is helping rather than making it worse... I hope!!

Strict wide grip press. Sets of 6 from 30kg up to a couple of sets at 60kg. Push pressing between 70kg and 85kg. Going to work towards 90+ but given the hip niggles I've got time before I'll be doing any heavier overhead squats.

DB row and floor press combo next up. 30kg DB and sets of 8 each arm. 3 rounds of that. The weight was cake but it's the pressing motion that fires my wrist the most. So good to get some mahi done without going heavy.

Cable face pulls next. Using the rope attachment. 3 sets of those. Then light cable rear delt reverse flies. These are pretty technical wee buggers. But holy shit, when you get your form right they burn like a mofo. Especially when you rep them to failure and hold the last rep.

Sitting around 104kg which I'm happy with given my eating and sleep went to shit with the CWC. I was only kind of doing fasting during that time, and a few more takeaways. But back on track now.

Sore today after 3 days straight training. But feeling stronk!

@Donsteppa it's going to hurt indefinitely I'm afraid. The only salve will be a win at a future WC.

But what are the chances that there is a similar situation when they tour here!! wonder if the TAB will offer that option... hmmm maybe not. I'm sure they don't want their offices burnt down!

Sooo is their strategy a slap in the face for Oz and/or a big opportunity for SA to get tipped over??

Had forgotten that our opening match at the RWC is against SA. That will be a bell ringer for sure.

Going to be interesting to see who Krusty names for this match. O'Connor back in the mix, who starts at 1st five...

and you gotta love how people just try and pick him up, no matter the risk of a spinal or neck injury!! Although to be fair they are trying to get him out of strike range. Looked like he copped a nice pointing horn to the head on that second charge.

Situational awareness was average - eyes on the first bull and missed the second one that'd lined him up.

Cheers mate! It's improving and I've been able to work around it with training this week which has been good. But man I've got DOMs all over. We did a lighter leg session last night and my mate aggravated his hip again.

I worked well within myself and the heaviest I got to was 4 sets of 5-6 at 100kg. Tried the yoke bar (no idea what it's real name is) that lets you mimic a front squat without having to get in rack position. So I got in some back and front squats.

Hitting back tonight with some leg accessory stuff. 3 days straight of training will kick my ass for sure.

Back on the fasting wagon after a week or so off. I was still fasting but not actively tracking it, and now the CWC is over I can finally get back to a usual sleep schedule. Had almost shifted my body clock over the last wee while. Paying for that now in the mornings, doh.

Gym bro and I are looking to hit a course of creatine soon. He's been trying to bulk while I've been cutting. But I'm ok with a bit of weight increase if I know it's mainly muscle mass. Also wondering if that might be what I need to finally crack that 150kg bench.

@SammyC so the obvious answer there is the Tahs

But I totally agree. A quality 10 is a huge part of the equation.

Hmmm who would be the 'worst' 1st five to lead a team to a super rugby title??

@jegga that's worse that putting concrete mix in millkshakes.

Far out.

@Chester-Draws you have a higher estimation of Smith than I do. We were unhappy (ie the franchise) to lose Black but he hasn't amounted to much in his time at the Blues. I think Ioane is a rising star and has shown some real brilliance this season, so he's far more than just steady imo.

There was also a reason why the Chiefs ended up with Debraceny starting ahead of MMac, as he was doing a better job and is a genuine longer term option for the team.

As for availability, contracts are always coming up for renewal/review or ending around the world. I don't think the Canes should limit their search to NZ, as I'd agree the pickings are lean here. But that doesn't mean a better option than our currently signed crop of players is impossible to find. Whether we can foot the $$ to compete with other interested parties is another story.