During speed, strength and aerobic testing at the start of the Lanzarote training camp the majority of the squad have surpassed previous individual targets
“I’m personally thrilled with the way the boys are training,” said Hore.
“Steve (Hansen) has mentioned a number of times that the fitness plan is a long-term one, but the progression this year has been impressive.
“The large majority of the squad are turning out PB’s (personal bests) every time we test them and I can’t ask any more than that.
“We had PB’s from most of them in speed, aerobic and strength tests at the start of the week. According to most scientific reports it should’ve taken us longer to produce those kind of results, so I’m extremely pleased.”
Hore admits that the players are being worked hard at the moment, but it’s all part of the master plan.
“It’s fair to say its been a hugely intense first two days out here compounded by the 27 degree heat,” added Hore.
“Although the volume of work is high we are not slogging them, the work is speed orientated alongside power and weights. I suppose it is a bit like a boot camp, but with a strong emphasis on rugby.
“The players have had to make sure they maintain their fluids and keep the food intake up.
“We’ve been provided with lots of good healthy food which means we have been able to maintain those all important weight gains and ensure we can handle the heat at the same time.
“We have a pool on site at the hotel complex which we use after every session to ensure good recovery.
“There’s been no time for relaxation so far, it’s been all exercise, eat, exercise, sleep – and the players have been sleeping well!”
And the training is not just about physical conditioning, there’s an intellectual side to it.
“We are starting to concentrate on game plans, study the opposition and go through moves.
“The coach hasn’t nominated a first team from the squad of 30 and I don’t think he will, he treats the team as a whole and if any of them weren’t up to standard to start a match they wouldn’t be here.
“We are using the same philosophy as a triathlete training for a triathalon, conditioning the body with a heavy workload and then allowing them to rest and clear their heads.
“Although they’ll still be expected to train once a day during the week they have in their home environment, there’s no day off in the schedule.”
