Sio court out tackling tennis

By Lee Gaskin
Updated April 18 2018 - 10:55pm, first published November 18 2012 - 3:00am

SCOTT SIO might look like a monster on the tennis court, but some of Canberra's best had the ACT Brumbies prop ducking for cover at Lyneham on Saturday. Sio, Zack Holmes and backs coach Stephen Larkham were on hand for the Canberra Velocity's first home round of the new Asia-Pacific Tennis League. Sio had a devastating forehand when he got on to it. But a couple of Velocity players lined him up with some lightning serves and the big fella was ducking and weaving out of the way. Larkham, whose cousin is Velocity coach Todd Larkham, was taking it seriously. The former champion flyhalf strapped his ankles to ensure there were no injuries. It adds variety to the Brumbies' pre-season schedule. They've also linked with the AIS to drop off the excess weight any players were carrying in the off-season. The Brumbies are working in conjunction with the institute's sport science department to design programs suited specifically for Super Rugby players. Outside back Tevita Kuridrani and new recruit Jordan Smiler were among those spending time in a sauna as the Brumbies leave no stone unturned to improve on last season's impressive showing as the AIS boffins examine everything from the players' core temperature, sleep patterns and blood pressure. Core temperature, sleep patterns; it's a far cry from the old days when recovery consisted of sharing a few stubbies with the opposition.

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