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Western Force outside back Cameron Shepherd has shed five kilograms in a tough pre-season as pressure builds for 2012 Super Rugby starting spots.
Shepherd will start the season at 99kg, his lowest ever Super rugby playing weight.
Coach Richard Graham has made it quite clear that reputations will not count for anything when he picks his side for the opening clash against the Brumbies in 10 days.
Shepherd, a Force foundation player and capped nine times by the Wallabies, said everyone in the squad was feeling the pressure of competition for the starting line-up.
He also hopes shedding the extra kilos will help him stay injury-free after years blighted by a horror run.
"We looked at things from a medical position and with my injury history playing at a lighter weight was the best thing for me," he said.
"I fought hard to get to the weight I'm at now. It was a combination of extra cardio, weights and a bit of a change of diet.
"It was tough but I feel I'm in the best condition I've been in.
"I'm not the only one. All the guys have been putting in a lot of hard work and are fitter than ever.
"There is pressure for places, I'm feeling it, we're all feeling it, but that can only make for a better side.
"It has been a really, really long pre-season, now I want to be able to put in consistent performances instead of dealing with injury rehab all the time.
"My number one aim this year is an injury-free season."
Shepherd turns 28 next month and is in his last year of contract with the Force but is not looking past the start of the season.
"Contract renewal is not on my mind," he said. "The pieces will fall as they do. I've got a good opportunity to play every game. There can be no excuses."
Graham said Shepherd was in good condition. "I felt he needed to have a tough pre-season. There are no shortcuts to playing your best football," he said.
"If Cameron is going to be a consistent performer in our team then he needs to work hard.
"As an international capped footballer, Cameron needs to lead through his performances.
"He is a very good communicator, has very good skills sets and kicks goals. He adds a lot to the side."
Shepherd's horror run of injuries stretches back to April 2007 when he damaged his left knee in the Super 14 round-11 clash against the Brumbies.
He was back for the Wallabies five months later, but the following July he broke his left fibula in eight places. He has had a string of injuries in subsequent years but is confident his bad luck is behind him.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...n-great-shape/
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