One thing that is very noticeable in this years world cup is the condition of the players. The vast majority of players from 1 to 15 are in peak physical condition thanks to endless of hours in the gym and on the training pitch.
The evolution of rugby has been huge and the sport has moved on from the days of baggy jerseys and static line-outs. Props nowadays are built more like body builders than just... well.... normal builders.
Jonah Lomu was regarded for being a physical specimen during his heyday, but taking a look around today there are numerous wingers who have similar if not better physical attributes than the famous Kiwi.
What's changed over the years is that other players have adapted and become capable of competing with players of all sizes.
Weightlifting
A modern day prop is expected to bench press 1.5 times their body weight and squat 1.8 times their body weight. This is a staggering figure given most props are 120kg and over.
Wingers, often known for being slight and elusive are now strong and powerful ball carriers. A modern day winger is expected to bench press 1.3 times their body weight and squat 1.5 times their body weight. Many wingers nowadays weigh upwards of 95kg compared to 85kg's 20 years ago.
Diet
Players Diets play a huge role in keeping them in peak physical condition. A player weighing 90kg is expected to consume up to 5,000 calories a day, twice the amount of the average man. Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw recently spoke of his struggle in maintaining his calorie intake.
In Game Physicality
As the game has progressed so have the in game demands. Some of the figures coming out of this years World Cup are simply staggering.
Modern players are covering up to 9km over 80 minutes, which is far more than the players of twenty years ago.
A tackle in today's world cup will generate as much force as having a fridge dropped on you from two metres in the air, and lifting the likes of Paul O'Connell in a line over the course of a game can be the equivalent of lifting two cars at the same time.
This infographic from Betway does a rather decent job of summing it all up.
