I’m still heartbroken – but it’s worse for Justin Brownen who, while flying to the Middle East, watched online at 30,000ft. However the wifi cut out on 78 minutes; all was well, until . . . !
To be fair, mistakes were made and the obvious ones have been highlighted.
Funny no one mentioned the box kick on 23 minute and 45 seconds that resulted in an All Black counter attack and Julian Savea’s seven-point try.
But what do we expect, a completely error-free ride? I’ve chosen to learn lessons and not find fault.
Hence today I am jealous! Not because I’m swamped in wonderment at a one-off performance but because last Sunday brings a bright future, after the inconsistent past.
Training sessions I’ve had the pleasure of attending pre and post professionalism have come flooding back. I’d love to join 2014 brigade.
The game has changed immeasurably, whereby amateurism has finally been washed out.
For instance, in those early days there was no video. When the video of the previous match arrived, it was simply put on and the squad were subjected to the full 80 minutes. Now the video is broken down into processes, with accountability and performance transparency uppermost, and training sessions suitably designed.
Take the effect of Wallaby openside Michael Hooper on our performance against the All Blacks.
Management nerds
Infinitely more can now be achieved in the week between matches. Obviously, recovery is uppermost but Hooper's methods at the breakdown would not have been lost on the Ireland management nerds; Mervyn Murphy would have cut up the footage that would impact on the technique training last week.
Ditto for the scrum, lineout, and defence. Part one: skill-set development
I rarely go to after-match press conferences but last Sunday’s was worth attending! Richie McCaw highlighted the belief that flows through him and his team. For him, this had its root in a game he played for Canterbury in 2001. They were defending the “Shield” and down 29-12 with 15 to go he’d felt it was gone. His captain, Todd Blackadder, looked at him, and told him to ‘Believe’. They came back and won.
As captain, McCaw lives by this ‘Believe’ belief. That said, how does he explain all the RWC disappointments? Part two: mental development.
A more relevant captain, perhaps, is Martin Johnson, with whom I've had the "pleasure" of tossing coins. He too faced 90 seconds that would define his generation.
“You talk about winning world cups; it’s made up of all those little nuts and bolts” was his description of the last 90 seconds of RWC 2003.
The score stood 17 all in England v Australia in the second period of extra-time. His description of those 90 seconds, the clarity of thought, his team’s calmness was spine tingling.
However, he acknowledged “it was ridiculous” how they kept losing final day Grand Slams. They recognised this and went about addressing it.
Johnson’s message is twofold; firstly, the journey to that last 90 seconds of a world cup final takes years of development and heartache with the right coach and a core of battle hardened players.
Secondly; the team must recognise the variety of playing methods needed to get the job done. Do we need a drop goal? Do they? Do we need a try? Do they and if they do, do we concede a penalty? Tommy Bowe had a chance to concede one just before the All Black try but his instinct said 'no'. Experience might direct him differently next time; the All Blacks would have.
Those Grand Slam minutes
Remember those last few Grand Slam minutes in Cardiff? Ireland's reaction was akin to the All Blacks fighting all the way, battling to give Ronan O'Gara that opportunity on 77minutes 26 seconds.
With 135 seconds remaining Stephen Jones kicked off and the green line kept pushing the Welsh back. Of course, Wales weren’t the All Blacks and weren’t striving for a season’s clean sweep.
The graveyard is full of indispensable people, with 14 of Ireland’s Grand Slam 22 gone. To the new bunch I offer Johnson’s summation of the final 90 seconds, “Catch, pass, kick; you have to have that trust in each other and that belief to do it under pressure, that’s what it’s all about”.
I can’t imagine the Ireland management sitting back in Carton House awaiting the Six Nations. They will engage the provincial managements and players in a process that will keep the hunger for technical, emotional, mental and physical improvement going.
There have been relationship strains between the Ireland management and their provincial equivalents. Leinster’s Matt O’Connor’s words, though understandable, as his job depends on results, are unfortunate. Hence Schmidt’s key role may be political.
Therefore my Christmas wish list: provincial coaches pick their teams, but with Schmidt’s philosophy torrenting downwards and hence the provinces playing within his broad parameters (e.g. counter attack policy/offloading).
Put simply:It’s Joe’s way.
For instance, a front five off loading game that tests weak shoulders, staying off the deck would be a great development from under 10s up to the professional ranks, which 10,000 hours could perfect.
PS: November is tailing away and with it the arrival of razor blades. What an amazing effort from the Movember rugby fraternity to raise millions for cancer. My brother Niall's effort is ridiculous but a moustache nonetheless! http://mobro.co/HaysGalway
liamtoland@yahoo.com
