So Johnny Wilkinson is dropped for only the second time in his career. This after being substituted during Saturday’s Calcutta Cup match at Murrayfield. Four years ago, Wilkinson carried the England team to World Cup glory. He was at the top of his game. The world’s best. But there was a price to pay for his herculean efforts. Injury followed injury. As if carrying the weight of England on his shoulders, was more than his body could tolerate. The same happened to Andrew Flintoff. When England broke a stop situation and reclaimed The Ashes in 2005, Flintoff was the spiritual […]

So Matt Williams begins his Ulster career with a bang. A 38-13 victory over Newport Gwent Dragons, whetting the appetites of the Ravenhill faithful. Afterwards, the new coach, reveals that he has changed little in the Ulster playing structure, apart from the players mentality. Williams has introduced shirt ceremonies, to evoke a sense of pride in wearing the jersey. And he has introduced legends. Beginning with Mike Gibson. Gibson made a speech to the Ulster players about his experiences of representing Ulster. For a new coach, this is a smart move. It is one thing for an Australian to talk […]

It should come as no surprise that a top sports professional like Johnny Wilkinson should be extending his reading. The worlds of business, art and spirituality carries many philosophies that sports professionals can apply to improve their mentalities. It is easy to see how the principles of Buddah can be effective in a sporting context. Especially the doctrine of learning to be in the moment. Being in the moment means not being subject to the failures of the past, or the possibilities of the future. It is about being fully in the here and now. Senses alive. Senses alert. Senses […]

As England prepare to face South Africa in the World Cup final, one of the big questions being asked, is how do England put behind them the 36-0 defeat imposed on them by their opponents, a few weeks ago? Surely it will have shaken them psychologically? Surprisingly, it may turn out that the 36-0 has benefited England more than it has South Africa. 36-0 saw England at rock-bottom. The World Champions faced returning home – embarrassed; ashamed. No ticker tape welcome this time. No Heathrow airport jammed to overflowing. The fear of that shame galvanised the squad into action. Rock […]

The bookmakers have spoken and South Africa have been installed as 3-1 on favourites for the World Cup Final. Unbeaten in the tournament, 36-0 victors over England in the group game and beating Argentina in the semi’s with plenty to spare. Surely they justify the status of favourites? On paper – yes. But this is the World Cup Final. And England are the holders. And now the holders have discovered a way of playing that suits them. This is a team who will relish the status of underdogs. They may be favourites, but will South Africa be able to match England’s […]

It was the chance of a lifetime. Hosts of the Rugby World Cup. A semi-final against a beatable England. Confidence high after beating the All-Blacks. Surely France would break through their stop situation and win the World Cup? Or at least make the final? No – this was a team that could not break free of the shackles. The shackles of fear of failure. A team that went against it’s DNA. The code by which it tries to play the game. The French got sucked into England’s way of playing. Dragged down. As if playing a game of fear. The […]

It was noticeable from the opening game. People were talking about Argentina. Talking about their national anthem. How the players were; the sense of power; the depth of feeling; the togetherness. And so it proved. After defeats of France and Ireland, Argentina are being spoken of as potential World Cup winners. This is a group of players who have clearly built something between them. One observer pronounced that ‘they had God on their side’. In team building status, they appear to have attained the highest level. The level of brothers. It is the point of team development where each player […]

There have been many reasons put forward for Ireland’s exit from the World Cup. Over expectation; poor tactics; rustiness; superior opposition. All the above may be contributing factors. To the observer, it appeared that the Irish lacked energy; pizzaz; dynamism; an unfettered passion that could burn off doubt. As if there was a sluggishness running through the team that cast a shadow over their moments in the sun. This was a team that seemed ‘bothered’ by something. Whatever that ‘something’ was, it did not look as if the Irish team had the foresight or the wit to clear things up. […]

There are still group games to be played, but already Australia are cranking up the pressure ahead of a potential World Cup quarter-final with England. ‘We all hate England’. That’s from the Australian Chief Executive John O’Neill. For England this is perfect. A motivational gift has just landed on the porch. Thank you! You are hated. Great. There is no problem locating the enemy then. No problem in finding someone to ram the words back down their throats. To prove them wrong. It’s like having an extra player. Having a THEM to focus all your energy brings the US together. […]

It’s six days before the World Cup crunch match with Argentina and Irish centre Gordon D’Arcy is asked whether Ireland can score the four tries necessary for progression. ‘We have to believe we can’ he replies. Whilst this is reasonable comment, the notion of ‘having to believe’ doesn’t carry the same weight of power as a team who do believe. Having to believe informs us that this team need to go on a mental and emotional journey to reach the state of belief from which they have to play. We have to believe doesn’t mean we will. Belief is a […]