Skills and kicking coach Kevin Sinfield says England have left nothing to chance in preparing for Saturday’s Nations Championship Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park.
The historic Johannesburg venue sits nearly 6,000ft above sea level, and England have not won there since 1972. But having arrived in South Africa 10 days before kick-off, Sinfield believes the squad have been given every chance to adjust.
“The timescale we allowed here was supposed to be the optimal time for the average person to have adapted and adjusted to the altitude,” Sinfield told the Rugby Union Weekly podcast.
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“This is just another challenge for the lads. Our performance team and medical team have tried to give us the best possible preparation for the timelines we have, and it’s part of the challenge of Test rugby in South Africa.”
England have also turned to altitude masks in training back home, using the devices to sharpen repeated sprint efforts and prepare players for the breathlessness that comes with reduced oxygen at altitude.
Sinfield says his own body has already begun adjusting to the conditions since landing in South Africa.
“My blood oxygen level dropped as soon as we arrived, enough for my alarms to be going off on my watch and phone,” he explained. “But I am very close to where I was originally.”
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With a tough month ahead for the English that includes clashes with Fiji in Liverpool and Argentina in Santiago del Estero, Sinfield says this week’s focus is squarely on the Boks.
“I’d be very disappointed if any of our 36 lads didn’t fancy it this weekend,” he said.
“Does it get any bigger? Does it get any bigger than this?
“Our job as coaches is to make sure we reach our potential. We’ve got a wonderful squad, a wonderful group of players.
“We’re in a really challenging country in terms of rugby environment and the quality they have and the depth they have. What a great challenge for us.”
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
The post England breath in Highveld challenge appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Skills and kicking coach Kevin Sinfield says England have left nothing to chance in preparing for Saturday’s Nations Championship Test against the Springboks at Ellis Park.
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