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.
