How important is experience/leadership/personality?

[fatprop]

I was having a beer with a mate last night and noticed an interesting trend.

If you break each Aus side into Forwards and Backs and then look at how they are travelling it was interesting to see the link between the experienced pro who leads and success on the S14 side

Brumbies -

Pigs - Smith
Backs-Mortlock & Gerrard

Force

Pigs - Sharp
Backs - Gits

Tahs

Pigs - Waugh, Frieir (injured)
Backs - no one

Reds -

Pigs - no one
Backs - Tirinui, but injured

To me, composure under pressure wins big games. The Force and Brumbies have leaders out there and are showing the way.

 

[Grandmaster Flash]

I was having a beer with a mate last night and noticed an interesting trend.

If you break each Aus side into Forwards and Backs and then look at how they are travelling it was interesting to see the link between the experienced pro who leads and success on the S14 side

Brumbies -

Pigs - Smith
Backs-Mortlock & Gerrard

Force

Pigs - Sharp
Backs - Gits

Tahs

Pigs - Waugh, Frieir (injured)
Backs - no one

Reds -

Pigs - no one
Backs - Tirinui, but injured

To me, composure under pressure wins big games. The Force and Brumbies have leaders out there and are showing the way.

Chapman has also been doing a lot of talking in Brumbies huddles, and now they've also got 'Captain' Hoiles back.

Horwill took great strides last year as captain but the foot injury seems to have set him back a bit this year. Holmes and Hardman are very experienced but seem silent. Bring Back Latho!

 

[rugbywhisperer]

Do you really think Tirinue has that capability?? Latham was too emotional in his play to be a leader - IMO

 

[fatprop]

Do you really think Tirinue has that capability?? Latham was too emotional in his play to be a leader - IMO

Yeah the calming influence who talks to his group and keeps them focussed

 

[Gagger]

The magic that comes out of pub philosophy.

Totally agree.

Check this out for another example http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/coatsies-board-game-guide-to-the-football-codes/

 

[RugbyReg]

Agree fp, I had similar thoughts but put theory down to mental toughness. The ability to back up week to week or grind it out in the tough games.

Tahs - Waugh, Baxter, Freier. Hell now Caldwell is your most capped lock.

Brums - Smith, Moore.

4s - Sharpe as you say.

Reds - there aint much there. Even Braid has played only a handful of test.

 

[Spook]

Moore has been tremendous for the Brumbies. I would have handed him the captaincy.

 

[fatprop]

Agree fp, I had similar thoughts but put theory down to mental toughness. The ability to back up week to week or grind it out in the tough games.

Tahs - Waugh, Baxter, Freier. Hell now Caldwell is your most capped lock.

Brums - Smith, Moore.

4s - Sharpe as you say.

Reds - there aint much there. Even Braid has played only a handful of test.

Yeah and mental calm and confidence in the backs. Perfect example in Michael Lynagh in the semi vs Ireland in 91 and the way Mortlock and before him Gregan drives the Brumbies backs

 

[Ash]

Moore has been tremendous for the Brumbies. I would have handed him the captaincy.

On the surface it makes sense, however I think that established pro teams will always be careful about handing the captaincy to someone in their first season there.

 

[rugbywhisperer]

Well I think the Force proved that ;ast night with a very mature display. We see two sides, the Force with an abundance of experience and old heads guiding the few yungsters they have. On the other hand, the Reds have litterally no guiding lights in the backs, their forwards are bereft of maturity hence they cannot cope. Both sides have oodles of talent but the world is full of talented failures - if the Reds are going to get out of their situation, experience, maturity and common sense are needed not just with the players but with coaching staff and board management as well - get away from the QRU for a start.