He's got one of the most physical presences in world rugby, yet even Brodie Retallick feels the pinch on his return to training.
Retallick and his fellow All Blacks linked back up with the Chiefs this week, beginning preparations for what will be a massive year, with the World Cup getting ever closer.
And after a magical 2014 where he was voted not just New Zealand's player of the year, but also the best in the world, Retallick has to somehow start from scratch and try to get even better.
"It's been pretty tough," the 2.04m lock admitted. "First day back we had fitness testing and strength testing. The legs were feeling pretty heavy.
"It was a bit of a shock to the system."
It hardly seems right, when Retallick has made his mark as a colossus on the field, shifting bodies with powerful precision and being everywhere the action is on the paddock.
But he said it would take about a week for his body to adjust. He even confesses there are aspects of training in which he isn't proficient.
"Everyone's got strengths and weaknesses, I guess I've got a good fitness base, but in the gym, it's not my strong point," he said.
On his well-deserved break Retallick got married, then honeymooned in South Africa and Mauritius. There was also time spent in Christchurch and Hawke's Bay catching up with family and friends, with the beach, swimming and water-skiing all part of the relaxation as he lived "like a normal person".
"Just stop thinking about rugby and just enjoy life for a while," was how Retallick summed it up.
"It's such a long campaign, all going well it will probably be November until you're getting a break again. So you've got to make it worthwhile when it happens."
Retallick was also able to reflect on his grand efforts from last year. The 23-year-old said he was unsure what the key was to his award-winning season but guessed it was a case of having another year in the saddle.
"But that's in the past now and I guess the challenge is to go back out there and try and play to the level that happened last year.
"It will be tough to try and do again but it's a good challenge to work towards."
Such is his standing in the game now, it's easy to overlook the fact Retallick is only coming into his fourth season with the Chiefs (and the All Blacks).
"Yeah, I haven't really been around that long. I guess maybe at the Chiefs I've been here a bit longer than most people, now that a few of the older boys have left."
That means taking on more of a leadership role.
"I think it's just natural progression in any job, when you know what's going on and how we're trying to play a game - you put ideas of good ways or what's not so good - then you're going to speak up," he said.
"And that's encouraged from anyone within the team, if they've got ideas or got questions, they need to be asked so they know what's going on or what we're trying to do."
Retallick confirmed the plan is for him to return in round two of Super Rugby.
It will be an intense campaign. The Chiefs have high standards after winning the competition in 2012 and 2013, with Retallick describing last year's elimination in the qualifying final as disappointing.
Then there is the showpiece tournament in England and Wales.
"Obviously the World Cup's a big thing, not just for New Zealand Rugby, but everyone within the country," Retallick said. "But if you're not playing well in Super Rugby, you're not going to get picked."
It's ridiculous modesty from the world's best player.
But who would change him.
- Waikato Times
