Expert
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.
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?