Prince Buster wrote:
Don't now about that, you probably have more trust in our conditioner than me
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You know something I don't totally buy that conditioner stuff. Over the last few years I think we have just signed soft or past it players (especially in the pack) and no amount of conditioning will give you heart. Fitness is as much mental as anything and that willingness and desire to go beyond what your opponent will has been missing in some. Clarkson may not be cutting edge but he's not to blame for them running and tackling soft especially as some only do 15 minutes a half.
Nigel Bells lack of "conditioning" was legendary even in the 1980's but he'd go for 80 minutes and I reckon he'd still do it today if you could bring him from the past. I do accept things have changed since then and fitness training as it used to be called is more important and scientific as the game is definitely faster but the fundamental of "ticker" remains exactly the same. This was demonstrated by the Aussies one or two of whom (Sam Thaiday) were absolute porkers compared to the ripped Burgess twins.