Hit-outs crucial, says trainspotter Deans

[travelling_gerry]

Hit-outs crucial, says trainspotter Deans

Greg Growden Chief Rugby Correspondent | July 2, 2008

WALLABIES coach Robbie Deans has warned his players it is not just what they do on the playing field that will determine the longevity of their Test careers. As crucial will be how they perform at training.
Deans yesterday announced a new Test back line that showed a dramatic drop in the average age of the Wallabies attack, and explained that "everything the players do is important".
"Even training is important," he said. "In many ways we see more in training than we see in games. A player on the extremities, such as on the wing, may not touch the ball that frequently in a game.
"To that end, whatever they do is important in the game because they don't get too many opportunities. Yet in a training run, we'll see a player involved 10 or 20 times more frequently than in a game. And you can't hide. So if we can make our preparation as close to game night, we get a great insight on the player."
When asked if what a player did on the training paddock could make or break his Test chances, Deans said: "There's no doubt. You are what you do often. You just can't turn it on on the weekend.
"And that's the whole point of preparation. It is to develop habits, skill habits and understanding so that there are no surprises on the weekend."
Since Deans has taken over, the average age of the Test back line has dropped to 24. The back line that played in the first World Cup game against Japan last year had an average age of 29.
Deans also confirmed that despite prop Matt Dunning missing the French Test series because of an infected leg, which required an operation, he would be available for the 30-man Tri Nations squad, to be announced on Monday.
Second-rower Dan Vickerman is also expected to be picked, even though an ankle injury is likely to mean he is overlooked for the first match against South Africa in Perth on July 19. Deans said Vickerman might instead play club rugby for Sydney University that day.
Vickerman is set to leave for overseas after the Tri Nations but there is strong speculation he may not play in the United Kingdom but have a break from the game, devoting himself to studies.


http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...678037668.html

[Flamethrower]

You'd have to have one hand on it to come up with that headline

[Burgs]

On what, a pie?

Deanes hasn't especially been instrumental in dropping the age that much to be accurate, I think it was more Greegs and Bernies choice and Latho's injury.

[Flamethrower]

On what, a pie?

If that's what you want

[Burgs]

mmm lunch...

[.X.]

Has Burgs ever said no to a pie?