Remarkably, not only did the Lions emerge seemingly unscathed from Saturday's 80-minute stint in the sauna that was the Hong Kong Stadium, but their long-standing team doctor, James Robson, augmented Warren Gatland's post-match verdict that the 59-8 win over the Barbarians in such stifling heat and humidity could even be beneficial.
In searing, energy sapping heat and humidity, the interjection of musical interludes from Neil Diamond, Oasis and Tom Jones for the designated drinks breaks added to the false nature of it all. After kicking off in 30 degrees and 73 per cent humidity, the temperature dipped to 28 degrees with humidity upping to 88 per cent by half-time, and by the end the figures had reached 25 degrees and 83 cent. All involved said they'd never played in conditions like it, Paul O'Connell describing how difficult it was to bring down one's heart rate.
To Dr Robson’s relief, “fortunately” no player was picked for dope testing, as it could have been problematic. Players will be monitored through urine tests and, if necessary blood tests, to ascertain if they are suffering from dehydration or even over hydration, but Dr Robson concurred with Gatland’s view that the benefits of a week in excessive heat and humidity could be akin to altitude training.
The benefits, he admitted, would be "relatively short-term, so I'm thinking it's going to benefit us more in the next two or three weeks and that's the point at which I'd expect the benefit to be greatest because initially we go to Perth, forecast excellent; into Brisbane, forecast damp but still up in the 20s – we'll get the benefit there." This was mostly based on anecdotal evidence, but Dr Robson maintained Saturday's efforts will not be of any detriment to their performance.
In readiness
Furthermore, Seán O'Brien and Gethin Jenkins both returned to training yesterday in Hong Kong in readiness for next Wednesday's game against the Western Force in the Subiaco Oval. Dr Robson also reported encouraging progress for captain Sam Warburton (knee) and Rob Kearney (hamstring), although not sufficiently for either of them to return to full training yesterday.
Both remained with the physios and if Saturday's opener confirmed one Lions' truism, it is that you wouldn't want to have a limp around here. Justin Tipuric especially had a superb all-round 80 minutes in Hong Kong and while some of Stuart Hogg's off-the-ball lines went unrewarded he clearly has an X-factor as well as, reputedly, versatility. In any event, with Leigh Halfpenny and O'Brien in the frame, Kearney and Warburton will be straining at the leash to begin making up some lost ground.
Warburton did not, after all require five day’s complete rest, and is already doing some work, while “Rob is doing well”, according to Dr Robson in advance of Kearney doing some running yesterday, although a tad worryingly given the player’s back operation at the outset of the season, the doctor added: “He had a niggle, allegedly in his hamstring. It may well be a bit of referred pain from his back.”
After a long-haul flight, they were “perhaps being a little cautious with him” before a hoped for return to training today.
One of the Irish players certain of a promotion to the starting line-up for Wednesday's game is Jonny Sexton. While he was evidently chuffed about making his first Lions appearance as a 57th-minute replacement, and having number 22 on his back is all well and good, he's always had a liking for number 10.
It will be good to play the Force.
Ben McCalman call-up to the Wallabies squad yesterday in addition to winger Nick Cummins, and comments from their coach Michael Foley about the importance of next Sunday's derby at home to the Waratahs, suggest the Force may not at optimum strength.
The Lions arrived in early this morning to temperatures in the low 20s. “That will be like winter to us after the last few days,” noted Sexton.
