Game time to tune engines

They all need to stay in top shape as the August 30 deadline approaches when the All Black selectors will reveal the 31 players they will take to England to try to collect the Webb Ellis Cup again.

instead of going to the gym, pumping iron, pounding the roads or going to another theory or practice session. It won’t be rugby of any exalted standard but there are enough useful players around the ITM Cup to challenge these All Black squad members and give them the sort of practice they haven’t felt for some time. Lima Sopoaga will benefit from a run with Southland against Northland on Saturday because it will be a month since his solitary Ellis Park test appearance against the Springboks. How’s he to stay in playing nick, what’s he doing to replicate the pressure of match situations, including goal-kicking, which cannot be repeated in training? His rugby diet since the Super 15 final has been 80 minutes at Ellis Park and a succession of All Blacks training and theory sessions. Julian Savea was

spelled from the All Blacks because of a lack of fitness and looked short of his best in two tests with the Wallabies. Wouldn’t he benefit from several bursts with Wellington? Rugby players are like any sportsmen who need to play to keep their timing. Star Irish golfer Rory McIlroy showed much of his skill when he finished in the top 20 at the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits but he admitted he was not as sharp after missing three weeks because of an ankle injury. Practice could not make up for playing tournaments under pressure. Other World Cup loose-forward contenders Victor Vito, Liam Messam and Sam Cane could all do with games for their provinces to continue their late run or retune their engines. Same with prop Ben Franks whose diet has been two subs appearances in five tests, while Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Hika Elliot need to get back into the grind of front-row play.