Every game in Super Rugby is a tough challenge and if you don’t play at your best teams will beat you. But waking up Monday morning not only was the body physically sore but also the mind. After numerous reviews of the game it highlighted how many opportunities we did create and how rarely we got return for effort. Those opportunities must be taken at this level of rugby and we must learn to do so.
We are a new side and we must keep working on being a team; this does take time and we continue to develop both as a team and in the way we play.
There are areas in which we obviously need to improve, although there were two areas in which we have improved.
We feel that we have largely controlled the games for periods of time, we just need to convert this pressure into points. And then the key is to start doing this for 80 mins.
There is no guarantee, no formula for success. Competition at the highest level in sports produces gut ripping setbacks. In fact failure is part of success , an integral part. What we must now do is recognise that the road to recovery and victory lies in having the strength to get up off the mat and start planning our next move. I have faith in this organisation from the coaches, to the players, to the supporters. Let’s tell ourselves ‘ I am going to stand and fight again’. Often when things are at their worst you’re closer than you can imagine to success.
On a brighter note it was great to be back playing and leading the side. It is always great to play beside your mates and after a long pre season it was great to get my first run of the season.
As mentioned earlier we are a new team, with new combination and although we are not using this as an excuse we have already blooded eight new players to the Force family and with three of these players making there Super Rugby Debut. Now is the time to turn things around and get 2013 started.
