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How many rugby accessories are too many?

3rd April, 2018
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Wales' Leigh Halfpenny. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Expert
3rd April, 2018
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Before Leigh Halfpenny takes a shot at goal, he takes off five articles of clothing.

Despite playing fullback, he always dons (and doffs) a ‘scrum’ cap. His jersey has the maximal sewn-in shoulder pads. His hamstrings are adorned with tape. If it is cold, he has skin-tight long sleeves under his jersey. He has mouthguard A for exit punts, mouthguard B for drop goals, and mouthguard C for conversions.

Pierre Spies and Victor Matfield used to sport heavy plaster of Paris-impregnated gauze forearm bandages, which were useful as battering rams.

Some players love accessories. Red tape criss-crossed over thighs, ears flattened by migraine-inducing head straps, and cauliflower-reducing ear-wraps. Alun Wyn Jones picks one ear to accessorise; he alternates.

Elton Jantjies uses every plaster the physio has; by halftime he looks like a mummy escaped from a crypt.

At the other end of the spectrum are minimalists, like Steven Kitshoff and Michael Hooper: socks down at the ankles, just shorts, boots, and a jersey.

Unencumbered, they rumble around the pitch, looking naked and happy.

Sportsmen are notoriously superstitious. Probably, one great game, wearing this or that, turned into a ‘must-wear elbow pad’ neurosis.

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Changerooms are nervous places. Having a dressing routine can calm the stomach. Tying the left bootlaces first, every time, or fitting that scrum cap just perfectly, may help the nauseous player focus on his pre-game.

Safety is key, of course. But is some of this merely psychological? Are we becoming too added on?

Which did you prefer as a player?

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