Rugby: Return of Wulf and Ranger lifts tempo

Rudi Wulf. Photo / Getty Images

Excitement levels dropped a notch with outside backs Rene Ranger and Rudi Wulf off the rugby scene late last season.

Wulf was finishing up a contract with Toulon while Ranger had to recuperate from a kidney lacerated in a freak accident in the national provincial championship.

But the pair have returned with extra zip in their rugby kitbags for this year as they look to pep up the Blues and add to their stalled test rugby collections.

Wulf has been picked tonight on the left wing where he made his test debut against England in 2008 and Ranger is the strikeforce at centre.

"Before I left, I was mainly on the wing for the Blues and playing with Isaia Toeava too so it is just like reviving old memories," Wulf said.

Wulf always carried a reputation as one of the fittest members of the Blues - perhaps a shade behind Lachie Munro, but pretty close.

He reckons that asset slipped a touch overseas, but he says he has trained flat out for four months and is in very good shape.

"I found it tough, but I am happy with how I am now."

Ranger is also contented with his fitness after a long spell out, mixing recreation with training to give the 2012 season a real burst.

"You've got to enjoy your Christmas and things like that, have a beer, go fishing and hunting up north, but I've also put the work in," Ranger said.

His version of cross-training has worked out. His fitness results are strong, now he has to pin similar standards to his play.

"I was gutted I did not make the All Black squad again last year but I got that injury and only had a few games for Northland before I was hurt," he said. "I'd love to get back in that black jersey."

Ranger ended up in hospital for a week then had to stand down for another two months after his kidney was lacerated in what seemed an innocuous tackle in the NPC.

Now he reckons he is in as good nick as he was for the start of last year's Super 15.

"Getting a start at centre is great. It is exciting, you get more ball and you have to make better decisions," he said.