The Bruise Brothers: Manu Tuilagi sheds kilos after home truths but loses none of his devastating power

Sale Sharks centre Manu Tuilagi lost 4-5 kilos. He and Rohan Janse van Rensburg lost it after last season's play-off semi-final defeat by Exeter Chiefs. They lost the weight by following a strict diet and fewer snacks. Tuilsagi has started the season strongly. He played 80 minutes of Sale's 20-19 victory over Bath on Saturday. His attacking touches have only surpassed four times in 85 Premiership appearances since Opta started measuring that metric in 2011-12. The former New Zealand international admits that he used to get frustrated with his fitness levels.

Nic Gill has been working with the All Blacks' strength and conditioning department for 14 years. He reckons the mass of New Zealand forwards has increased by an average of one kilogram per year since he has joined the team. Gill explains that the focus is no longer on getting bigger players, but on making smaller players smaller. The 100th Test between New Zealander and South Africa is taking place in Townsville this weekend. The game is a battle between two distinct playing styles. South African team is known for its kick-pressure, set-piece muscle and ferocious defence. New Kiwis are known as the ever-alert team with intuitive ways of finding space.