The Wallabies have described their gruelling New Caledonia boot camp as “very Michael Cheika-like” but say it will pay dividends at the Rugby World Cup.
Coach Cheika is putting his freshly-minted squad through their paces in the heat and humidity of Noumea in a bid to acclimatise players for the warm conditions expected in Japan for the global tournament.
Their exertions claimed an early victim when uncapped outside centre Jordan Petaia was forced to fly home on Wednesday to get treatment on a hamstring injury.
Cheika’s reputation for innovative but ruthless methods in his pre-campaign programs was only enhanced by images emerging this week of players carrying barbells up the steps of a grandstand at Stade Numa-Daly Magenta.
Back rower Jack Dempsey said the 10-day camp was pushing players to the limit.
“It’s very Michael Cheika-like, and that’s something I’ve been around ever since I started my professional career,” Dempsey said.
“I’ve had a few of them but it’s definitely right up there in terms of intensity.
“The difference is that this time we’re working towards a World Cup.
“That’s something that gives you that little bit of a boost when you’re out there on the field sucking in the big ones.”
Dempsey said training days began with workouts prior to 6am but the intensity was maintained as the heat of the day arrived.
The versatile 25-year-old can expect to have a busy tournament given just five back rowers were picked. One of them is David Pocock, who is still to play after nearly six months spent recuperating from a calf muscle injury.
Waratahs workhorse Dempsey is returning to the fray himself, having shaken off a shoulder complaint that threatened to ruin his selection hopes.
“It’s been the story for me over the last two years, kind of in and out with injury,” he said.
“At the moment it’s about getting as fit as I can be and as strong as I can be so that when the opportunities come, I’ll be ready to deliver.”