Rest Day

Today was an opportunity for the boys to put rugby to the back of their minds and explore Sydney as a tourist.  As you can imagine, in any Steve Winter operation there are rules, parameters etc. and this was no different.  The boys were given $50 each to last them the day and were expressly forbidden from being in the hotel between 11.00am - 4.00pm.

The boys did not disappoint and speaking to them this evening, they seem to have found worthwhile experiences and events to spend their money on, although there were a couple of disappointments; Hugo Chaplin wanted to Skydive over Sydney harbour, but the weather wasn't right whilst those that wanted to climb the harbour bridge quickly realised they didn't have either the time or money!

Once I had sorted out Dom's hospital appointment to speak to a consultant about his finger, I joined Steve and Barney Savill for the day.  After cooking our own lunch at Philip's Foote restaurant in Circular Quays (definitely a place to visit if you like your steaks!) we headed off to Manly where our stroll along the sea front looking for an ice cream ended at the Ben & Jerry's store.  As most of you know, Steve is normally very quick to make decisions.  However the variety of flavours presented to him along with the different options - cones, pots, sundaes etc. - combined to completely throw him.  Subsequently the guy behind the counter was able to sell him the biggest, most expensive option which Steve had no desire to eat!

The boys were allowed to get an extra $10 if they needed it by meeting us at 6.00pm.  We took it as a good sign that some of them opted to stay out longer and not take the extra money, however most seemed ready to grab dinner and head to bed.  It's good to see a number of them using the gym in their own time, although the swimming pool on the 14th floor overlooking the city along with the sauna is proving to be very popular for the boys to rest and recover.

Tomorrow's game against Cranbrook will give us the opportunity to try out a few different combinations as well as looking at some players in different positions.  It is worth reminding everyone that the next proper 1st XV team selection will be made for the first half of the game in Hong Kong.  Until then we are still very much in the development phase of the tour and indeed the season.