All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has paid tribute to the extraordinary professionalism of Test centurion-in waiting Owen Franks’, saying “not many people would go to their wedding and get their wife to have a protein shake in her pocket.”
Hansen said Franks, who will become the ninth All Black to play 100 Tests this Saturday, had risen the bar in the team with his fastidious approach to preparing for games.
“He’s a dedicated athlete, he and his brother, I think, set some massive standards on how to prepare and what lengths they would go to, to make sure they turned up on Saturday in the best condition they can,” Hansen said.
The All Black prop’s fastidious approach to nutrition knows no bounds – not even his wedding day. (Source: Other)
“He should be commended for that, he’s risen the bar in this team without having to say too much.”
Franks has combined an almost unparalleled commitment to fitness and particularly weight lifting while being a notorious stickler with his diet, even going as far as preparing his own lunch despite the Crusaders catering for the players.
Ofa Tu'ungafasi and Owen Franks stacked about 200kg on the squat rack in Christchurch, with Codie Taylor showing front rowers can do chin ups. (Source: Other)
On the protein shake at the wedding story, a grinning Hansen said: “it happened in a wedding so I’m assuming it happened in the honeymoon as well.”
Later, Franks confirmed his coach's story, saying he didn't want to get "hangry" during the speeches.
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