England's rugby squad is well-prepared to tackle the unique challenge of playing at high altitude against world champions South Africa this Saturday, according to coach Sir Kevin Sinfield. The team's Nations Championship opener against the Springboks is set to take place at the iconic Ellis Park in Johannesburg, a venue situated nearly 6,000 feet above sea level, where England last secured a victory in 1972.
Sir Kevin explained that the decision to fly out to South Africa ten days ahead of the match was a strategic one, aimed at allowing the players ample time to adjust to the demanding conditions. He noted that this period is considered the ideal duration for an average person to adapt to the reduced oxygen levels found at such elevations. "The timescale we allowed here was supposed to be the optimal time for the average person to have adapted and adjusted to the altitude," Sir Kevin stated, emphasising the thorough preparation undertaken by the performance and medical teams.
The impact of lower air pressure at high altitude, which results in fewer oxygen molecules entering the bloodstream, is a significant factor in athletic performance. Sir Kevin personally experienced a drop in his blood oxygen level upon arrival, triggering alarms on his devices, but observed his body adapting over five days, returning close to his original levels. This personal experience reinforces the belief that the squad will have acclimatised sufficiently.
This fixture marks the beginning of a demanding summer schedule for England. Following the clash with South Africa, the team will return home to face Fiji in Liverpool before embarking on another journey south of the equator for a match against Argentina in Santiago del Estero. However, Sir Kevin stressed that the immediate focus remains squarely on the formidable task at hand against the Springboks, expressing confidence that the entire 36-man squad is eager for the challenge.
Sir Kevin Sinfield, who was recently knighted in the King's Birthday Honours for his extensive contributions to rugby league, rugby union, and the motor neurone disease (MND) community, also touched upon his ongoing commitment to charity work. Inspired by his late friend and teammate Rob Burrow, Sir Kevin has raised over £11 million for MND research and support. He described his knighthood as overwhelming, reiterating that his efforts are fundamentally about "doing some running for a mate."
His dedication to the MND cause continues, with another major endurance challenge, '7 in 7: The Grand Finale,' planned for September. This event will see him run between Hull and Manchester, visiting all 12 English Super League grounds, covering nearly 28 miles daily. Sir Kevin affirmed his lifelong commitment to the cause, stating, "I am in this for life," and vowing to continue running for as long as he can to uphold the legacy for Rob and others affected by MND.