A simple rule I apply is this - the more a team celebrates the little stuff, the less likely they expect to receive/achieve the big stuff.
So when I see stuff that would look in place at the Gay Mardi Gras after a try is scored that is anything less than the defining momement of the game, I have the same expectations of this team that they do - thats the big stuff.
The Bulls are a great example of a non-demonstrative team at try time. Especially Victor Matfield. The cellar dwellars are the reverse.
Showing posts with label Preparation - Psychology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Preparation - Psychology. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
And that's not all the Bulls are happy to do
After 2 rounds something else is apparent about the Bulls.
The Bulls also stand apart from all teams, even those who traditionally espouse they define running rugby - the Bulls are happy to forgo the 3 points from gift penalties to drive to the line for a try and 5-7 points. I have never seen a team so consistantly and confidently do this. A great sign for their self-belief.
On this alone they look like they will be in the play-offs, provided the wheels don't fall off on their road trip or they suffer injury to key personal.
The Bulls also stand apart from all teams, even those who traditionally espouse they define running rugby - the Bulls are happy to forgo the 3 points from gift penalties to drive to the line for a try and 5-7 points. I have never seen a team so consistantly and confidently do this. A great sign for their self-belief.
On this alone they look like they will be in the play-offs, provided the wheels don't fall off on their road trip or they suffer injury to key personal.
Bulls happy to come from behind
After round 2 something else is apparent - the Bulls are taking on the Crusaders mentality (intentially or otherwise, and are happy to let the lead go to the opponent before coming back and taking over the game again.
And just as it worked for the Crusaders, sometimese it doesn't. There are going to times, especially when they are on the road, when they are not going to be able to pull it back in and will lose.
Seems that when you are a great team, confident and relaxed, you loose the lead often at the start.
And just as it worked for the Crusaders, sometimese it doesn't. There are going to times, especially when they are on the road, when they are not going to be able to pull it back in and will lose.
Seems that when you are a great team, confident and relaxed, you loose the lead often at the start.
Its been coming for so long - Reds beat Crusaders
Even though the Reds haven't beaten the Crusaders for some 10 years, this results been building up, at least when playing in Brisbane. The Crusaders have been so good for so long I believe they have a challenge raising their urgency when playing team with lesser recent performance histories. And if the game gets away on them, they don't currently have the magic needed to get back to win. It's been coming.
Reds - 41 v Crusaders (NZ) - 20
Reds - 41 v Crusaders (NZ) - 20
They've lost that winning feeling
Reds - 28 v Waratahs - 30 Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
The biggest challenge facing the Queensland Reds is losing the loser mindset. Not suggesting they aren't trying, but when you get familiar with losing, it's not easy expecting to win.
This game reminded me of the first round in 1998 - Queensland scored a try within minutes of the game against Otago Highlanders at the House of Pain. And finished with 3 tries to one - but still just lost. And this was after only two seasons on the slide, especially 1997, finishing 10th out of 12 teams.
Queensland now has over a decade of being on the slide. That's tough to change back to a winning culture and will take time. Whilst this is happening they don't need any destabilizing in the process or any move forward will be sabatagued. With a number of powerful parties keen to stick the pin into the Reds ballon, they have battles on many fronts to fight.
The biggest challenge facing the Queensland Reds is losing the loser mindset. Not suggesting they aren't trying, but when you get familiar with losing, it's not easy expecting to win.
This game reminded me of the first round in 1998 - Queensland scored a try within minutes of the game against Otago Highlanders at the House of Pain. And finished with 3 tries to one - but still just lost. And this was after only two seasons on the slide, especially 1997, finishing 10th out of 12 teams.
Queensland now has over a decade of being on the slide. That's tough to change back to a winning culture and will take time. Whilst this is happening they don't need any destabilizing in the process or any move forward will be sabatagued. With a number of powerful parties keen to stick the pin into the Reds ballon, they have battles on many fronts to fight.
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