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Andre's 'bigger and better' pledge
Snyman ready to kick-off By Dave Craven LEEDS TYKES could be about to see the best of a rejuvenated Andre Snyman.
The South African centre enters the new season in top shape having recovered from a remarkably punishing schedule over the last year.
On the back of a hectic domestic fixture list in his homeland, Snyman arrived at Headingley from Natal Sharks in November and was immediately thrust into the Tykes side.
As one of Leeds' biggest-ever signings, much was expected of the record-breaking Test star but, in a similar vein to the team as a whole, he only managed to produce the goods fitfully.
That came as no surprise considering the amount of rugby he had actually played.
"When I came here it would normally have been my off-season," explained Snyman.
"I'd played in the Currie Cup final back home but then two weeks later I was in Leeds colours. I started straight away and went on to make 18 consecutive appearances with the Tykes. On the back of my stuff in South Africa I worked out I played 45 times without a break.
"Phil Davies and I discussed having some time off when I first came over but he said he'd give me a longer break this summer. I got six and a half weeks instead of five!
"I was obviously tired. But I feel fresh again now. I've been back home to South Africa for those six weeks and then had a really good pre-season.
"Our conditioner Steve Carter has done a great job and at the moment I'm bigger and stronger than ever before. I'm fit and ready to go.
"I don't think I'll ever run 100 metres in 11 seconds again but that's not to be expected!"
Snyman revealed he almost chose a career as an athlete after a highly successful childhood in the sport, competing at 100m, 200m, long jump and triple jump.
He earned national honours but eventually plumped for rugby and went on to become the most-capped centre in South African history.
Now the 30-year-old is bidding to show Tykes fans his true
qualities starting with the
Premiership opener against Gloucester at Headingley on Sunday.
Snyman is likely to be paired with England Under-21s centre Chris Bell – a summer signing from Harlequins – after they impressed together in the club's pre-season friendlies.
"It's been going well," he added.
"Chris Bell is a really good youngster. He's only 21 but is a strong runner and has a lot of potential. It's a fresh start for the pair of us and I'm enjoying it."
Snyman, who is a veteran of Super 12 competition, believes the English game will be as tough as ever this term, and the visitors on Sunday will serve as testimony to that.
He said: "Gloucester are known as a big physical team. We will go out there knowing it's going to be like that. I
reckon their coaches will have told them to be even more physical.
"Because England won the World Cup, I feel the whole standard of the Zurich
Premiership will rise again this year.
"Players will come back stronger and harder – I know that's true here at Leeds – and the competition will go up to a new level. It will be tough and there will be no easy games but we have prepared well and now we're ready to start."
david.craven@ypn.co.uk
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Weather for Leeds
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: 0 C to 5 C
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