Paul’s Blog: Rehabbing, Donners And Phenomenal Support
In his latest O2 Rugby blog, Paul O’Connell talks about getting over his hamstring strain ahead of the crucial clash with Italy, his plans for a cinema trip with Donncha O’Callaghan and also mentions the huge support for the team in New Zealand and back home.
The last while has been pretty frustrating. I tweaked the hamstring in the warm-up against Australia and even though it didn’t hamper me, or hurt in the match, a scan revealed that there had been a small bit of bleeding.
I wouldn’t be the best patient in the world, to which any physio who had dealt with me will testify!
Rehabbing is so annoying and incredibly boring. When you’re working in the gym you can see the progress in terms of getting bigger and stronger. When you’re doing fitness, you work up a good sweat.
Rehabbing is undertaken at such a low level that you’re more likely to get cold! I hate it so much. I have been doing some running and stuff and will be going for another run in the morning.
We are on a down day tomorrow so after that run, I’ll probably go along to the cinema with Donners (Donncha O’Callaghan). He is a big fan of the mid-afternoon film.
Unfortunately he’s also very disciplined. He will limit himself to half a bag of popcorn and two bottles of water. I like to throw some Maltesers and Minstrels into the hot popcorn and mix them up – I am going to force him to eat some of my Minstrels, so I can feel better about myself!
We received the footage of the O2 Arena in Dublin during the Australia match and it was absolutely incredible. We watched the footage on the team bus afterwards and it underlined to us the depth and extent of the support we enjoy – believe me, it’s hugely appreciated by the players.
Rotorua was hilarious as I’ve never seen so many supporters outside of Ireland. The support is phenomenal. Most seem to have rented motor homes because unlike hotel rooms there are plenty of vacancies, every bit of parking space seems to be occupied.
A friend of mine was able to check into our team hotel last Friday. That underlines the room situation. I should be back in the mix, full training-wise by Friday.
Related Links –
Paul’s blogs are on www.O2.ie/rugby.
Paul’s Blog: Huge Satisfaction With Result And Performance
Follow the Ireland team in New Zealand on www.twitter.com/irfurugby.