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Weighty issues for So'oialo

While most people find putting on weight far too easy, that's not the case for Hurricanes loose forward Rodney So'oialo.

Wednesday, 17 February 2010

Sportal.co.nz

While most people find putting on weight far too easy, that's not the case for Hurricanes loose forward Rodney So'oialo.

Gaining weight has always been an issue for the 30-year-old who is renowned for his high work-rate, both on and off the field, and dedication to training.

During the off-season he has been loading up on carbohydrates and working hard in the gym to add some bulk to his frame and now tops the scales at around 110kg.

"My body is a little bit different to normal in that it just eats everything. I have to focus on eating a lot more. The food bills are pretty much up there," he added.

"As everyone knows, the competition is not easy so being able to put in a lot more size and being able to run at that weight is going to be good.

"Slowly you lose weight during the season so putting on enough lean meat has been tough but it has been a challenge that I've enjoyed."

It is a strategy he hopes will help him rediscover the top form he displayed prior to last year when a niggling neck injury plagued him in the latter stages of the Super 14 and he found himself overtaken by Canterbury's Kieran Read in the race for the All Blacks No.8 jersey.

"There had to be changes I needed to make after the years of not listening and not doing the right things," said So'oialo, who is in the selection mix for Saturday's home game against the Western Force.

"Now I feel really good for the last four weeks that I've been working hard in the gym and off the track.

"I've focused on the stuff I've needed to work on - the rehab side of it and the pre-hab as well. It's just being a little bit smarter in preparation."

So'oialo watched the Hurricanes' first-up win against the Blues from the comfort of home last Friday.

"I was very proud at the way the boys ran. They showed a lot of passion and a lot of determination to steal a win from a Blues team that is not very easy to play, especially at home."

But there is no doubt that he wants to be on the pitch this weekend at Westpac Stadium, although coach Colin Cooper was coy on whether his former skipper would start or not.

Either way, So'oialo is keen to be involved.

"I'm pretty eager to get out there. If I come off the bench or whatever I do this week I'll be focusing on doing my job and offering the team as much as I can."

Hosea Gear will definitely be on the sidelines though after damaging cartilage in a knee and could yet miss the trip to South Africa in March.

"He doesn't look well so he won't be playing this week," said Cooper. "We just need to get a confirmation on how serious he is. He's definitely out this week."
That opens the way for either David Smith or Andre Taylor on the wing.

Aaron Cruden could also get a start on Saturday with Willie Ripia nursing a bruised shoulder.

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