On Saturday night, my wife and I went to the movies. I mention it, not only because it was a momentous and rare occasion, but because it reminded me again of the importance and success which the Australian character brings to many endeavours.
The movie was ‘The Kings Speech’. The storyline recounts the successful treatment, by an Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue, played by the outstanding Australian actor, Geoffrey Rush, of the terrible stammer which restricted the speech of the Duke of York. During the treatment the Duke of York became King George VI, following the abdication of his older brother.
The wartime addresses of the new king became a vital component of the wonderful British resistance both ‘at home and abroad’, and Lionel was present and guided the king through all of these occasions. The king subsequently recognised Lionel’s efforts by inducting him as a Commander of the Victorian Order, which ‘rewards personal service to the sovereign’ and is the personal gift of the monarch.
As a proud and staunch Aussie, I was much moved by Lionel’s attitude to the duke and subsequently to the king. I like to think that, in general, Australians treat people as they find them – recognising and respecting their position, but relating solely to the person. I am reminded of another occasion, from some years back, when an old rugby mate brought a visiting British friend to the rugby at Ballymore in Brisbane. Introducing his visitor, my mate said, “I’d like you to meet an old rugby friend of mine who is visiting from Wales – Lord Parry.” “G’day”, came the response, “Pleased t’ meet ya, Lloyd!”
Lionel insisted that he be addressed as ‘Lionel’ and that he address the duke as ‘Bertie’. He wanted his patient to trust him as a friend; he believed that it was vital to the success of his treatment. Despite many rows and ‘split-ups’, the treatment was ultimately successful. Lionel recognised the true character of the king – courage, determination, responsibility – and the king recognised the genuineness and viability of Lionel’s methods.
On the way home, I said to my wife that Lionel’s character was my observation of the ‘true Aussie character’ and that I thought that that character is at the core of our success as a people and as a nation. We are, I understand, the world’s No.1 sporting nation – measured on a population basis. We respect all people, taking them at face value, and although we respect their position and their achievements, we pay no homage to their ranks.
“All men are borne equal”, we believe, “and all things are possible, for all men. What you do with your life is up to you, and, we are your friends and we’ll help you!” Most importantly though, “You’ve got to have a go! Succeed or fail, you’ve got to give it your best shot.” ‘Ave a go!’ was what Lionel did, and he kept on ‘having a go’ until he succeeded. Importantly, he insisted – although without actually saying so – that the king ‘had a go’ also.
This, I believe, has always been the foundation stone of Australia’s sporting success; I sure that it’s been the same in other areas of our endeavours also. This brings me to our rugby. The Wallabies are starting to play well – not before time, did I hear you say? The success has coincided with the emergence of a number of talented young players, players who have been allowed to develop without fear of failure. There is, after all, in our society, no failure, save the absence of ‘having a go’.
Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper and Will Genia are examples of this. They respect their opponents, but they want to ask the question, “If I give it my best shot, will I be good enough?” They do not fear the answer, because it’s only the ‘answer’ that they are seeking. There is no hesitancy, just excitement – and determination! Almost invariably, they are ‘good enough’. Indeed, Will Greenwood, writing in the English press, has chosen the three of them in his World XV for 2010. Cooper ahead of New Zealand’s Dan Carter? Beale ahead of Mils Muliaina or Ben Foden? Genia ahead of Youngs or Ellis? He went on to explain that all three were ‘different’; they are not out of a mould; they have that instinctive edge to their game, which is difficult to defend. They play without fear of failure.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunities for ‘many’ rugby chats and many have been with All Blacks, both current and past. Invariably, each has expressed the view that “they play with a passion born of ‘fear of failure’”. None wants to be a part of a team which loses! Australians, from my experience, have quite the opposite motivation. We play to see if we’re good enough, indeed, perhaps to see if you’re good enough. “We’re going to give it our best shot. Let’s see if you’re good enough!” This is, by necessity, supported by countless hours of preparation – the same for all countries – but it is, for us, an essential ingredient and one which sets us apart. Our record speaks for itself.
So, with the Wallabies, we’ve assembled a squad which is capable of greatness – mind you, we wouldn’t want a lot of injuries. We have the talent and the innate national character. All we need is that the ‘countless hours of preparation’ are, in fact, perfect preparation.
Practice doesn’t make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.
Over to you, Robbie!
