Wednesday is traditionally a down day for the Ireland squad. No training and a chance to just do your own thing.
Day 11 – ‘Down Day’
All the lads have their own ways of putting in extra effort – it could be doing more time in the gym or running through extra analysis, but for players like the hooker and the place-kicker it can come down to practice of their routine.
So while the rest of the players planned some early morning shopping in Plaza Independencia, kicking coach Richie Murphy and Jonathan Sexton headed off to the University of Tucuman Rugby Club for some kicking practice.
Some of the coaching staff and backroom team went off on a bike route in the foothills of the nearby mountains. Physio Keith Fox and masseur Dave Revins proved the most adept!
The lads can’t be risked this close to the game so after the shopping there was a trip to the Aconquija mountains and a chance to enjoy the sights and sounds that surround Tucuman.
There is a glamorous side to being a professional rugby player – the travel, the accolades – but there is a more prosiac side too. The ques for coffee and a lot of taxis.
The evening is their own as well with a choice of some local restaurants for them to go to. Meanwhile, the management team and travelling rugby media enjoy a night out where there is almost no talk of rugby – almost!
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