No pain, no gain for Hill
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Last updated: 22nd April 2008
Hill: Ready to battle on
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Former England and Lions flanker Richard Hill is ready to put his body on the line once again in a bid to see Saracens to Heineken Cup glory.
Saracens tackle Munster in the semi-finals on Sunday at Coventry's Ricoh Arena, with Hill almost certainly going to be the first name on director of rugby Alan Gaffney's team-sheet.
However Hill has had to be nursed through his final season before retirement as the years of tough tackling and putting his body where others fear have finally caught up with him.
But, it is easy to see why Sarries still need the 34-year-old for the big games with Hill putting in a man-of-the-match performance in the quarter-final win over Ospreys just a week after the Welsh region have thrashed them in the EDF Energy Cup in his absence.
And although he has been left with a limp after two serious tears to the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee - the second meaning that he needed a transplant to repair the damage - Hill is ready to push himself on for what could be his two last games, culminating in a Millennium Stadium final.
Not pleasant
Hill told The Guardian: "I'm in a position now that I don't go outside just for the sake of it.
"I honestly wouldn't be able to tell you the last time I did fitness work just by running around.
"It's not the ideal way of doing things because I used to really enjoy running. To have that taken away was not pleasant."
Hill did roll back the years against the Ospreys in the last eight of the Heineken Cup, however it came at a cost physically - and the flanker knows that he has to trust the medical staff when it comes to when he can play.
He added: "The body certainly felt it afterwards. It took a while to get over that one because there was real intensity.
"I didn't play against them the week before because I've had to accept a reduced amount of games and training. There have been games I've wanted to play but we've got excellent medical people who understand how much time I should be on my feet.
"But then I get to play in the Heineken quarter-finals and it works out well. I go with the management. If they pick me, I'm ready."
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Comments
David Richardson says...
When has Richard Hill ever failed to put his body on the line? This is a man who puts his head in places most people wouldnt put their feet. The unsung hero of Englands world cup win, England looked unconvincing until Hill's return for the semi against France. Irreplacable, i hope for the game's sake that he stays within the sport when he retires, but whatever his plans i and his legions of fans wish him the best
Posted 14:49 22nd April 2008
Colin Jones says...
As an Englishman, I really hope Sarries are victorious against Munster, but I think it is a big ask. What ever the result. Richard Hill can hold his head up high. He has in my opinion been a fantastic servant to English Rugby and has been one of my favorite players of all time! When England talk about having inspirational players around the younger players, Richard Hill always leads by example. With his iminent retirement, maybe Johnson could have a word in his ear?! Richard Hill has been one of the most complete rugby players in the modern era!
Posted 13:35 22nd April 2008
Andrew Brown says...
This guys needs to be involved in the new England set up. He has been the most consistant performer for years, ask any of the world cup winning squad who the unsung hero was they will all say Hill. No coaching experience but a wealth of knowledge within the game and has fought the toughest fights. A true legend, MJ needs to get him in the backroom staff.
Posted 12:47 22nd April 2008
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