Despite all these distractions you still must win, something home supporters expect. Travelling supporters in particluar want a gutsy performance of total commitment.
In the UK-based Gallagher Premiership Bristol recently demolished Leicester Tigers by 54-24 points at Tigers’ home ground, a result quite unheard of in the modern era. Previously Bristol had handed down a similar battering to Harlequins in London.
There is no doubting Bristol’s quality but why then did they lose at home to Sale 0-38? A nil score raises several questions. Complacency is an obvious first pick. Selection could be another. Sale is a competent team but not by 38 points.
Coaches don’t want a win-loss reaction team that reacts to its own negativity. A coach wants consistency sprinkled with brilliant individual and team play.
In my time with the Leicester Academy, we discussed with the players the importance of performing consistently in the 95% zone. A zone, applicable to all players. From the kick off to the final whistle you must perform in the 95% zone occasionally producing your piece of excellence, striving to maintain perfect technique. Any drop out of the zone and the exit door is being unlocked.
Similarly, Bath and Northampton both continued the debacle. Bath beat Saracens by 68-10. The spectators deserve better, especially the Saracens ones who made the long cross-country trip. If a weakened team is to be played everyone should know well before travelling.
Northampton piled more pressure on Newcastle with a 61-0 scoreline. Newcastle’s lack of playing depth has been well documented. The search is on for a new owner. He may be hard to find.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.
Northampton languish in 8th spot on the ladder and a top four finish is 9 points away. Anything less will promote a mild inquest.
Harlequins draw with Leicester at the Allianz stadium in front of 80,000 spectators was a spectacle to behold. Both teams needed a win. Leicester have not got the brutality of previous years, but on their day can beat any team in the Premiership. Harlequins promote themselves as the league’s entertainers, which is all well and good, but it would be nice to do a lap of the Stoop holding a trophy. Marcus Smith can light up any stadium but he’s currently a counter attacker and needs more front foot ball.
Exeter gained their first win of the season, which lifted them off the bottom of the ladder. A 22-15 win over Gloucester sent the home crowd delirious.
Bath leads the title race by 5 points from local rivals Bristol, and that maybe the way the season ends.