Dewald Potgieter
The Vodacom Bulls find themselves in one of their worst runs in Super Rugby in the last 8 years. As defending champions they have suffered uncharacteristic defeats to teams they would have been a sure bet to beat in the past.
I think to pin-point one reason for this would be ignorant as the problem is far too complex, but part of identifying a problem would be to listen to the players and where, how or why they are struggling.
Having read interviews with Frans Ludeke and most recently a column by Bulls loose-forward, Dewald Potgieter, it is clear to me that the Bulls have in fact no clue as to where the problems are.
Of course they identify the obvious as reasons for their continued failure such as poor execution or loss of confidence, but no-where will you read on how they plan to fix this.
It is almost as if the Bulls were waiting for the ‘wheel to turn’ or for the ball to ‘bounce’ in their favour, or for a bit of ‘luck’ to go their way.
We continue to read comments from players or coaches that they can only ‘control what they’re capable of controlling’, but more and more it becomes glaringly obvious that they cannot even do that. They would rather wait for some ‘miracle’ of some sorts which will magically sort out all their problems.
If execution and confidence is the problem as Potgieter and Ludeke eludes to, why not get specialist coaches in to address this?
Coaches are quick to appoint skills coaches if there is a problem with player’s techniques, or defense experts to sharpen up defensive structures, or even kicking coaches to help with players skills in that department – so why not recognise that problems with execution and confidence are also areas of the game of rugby in which experts can be called upon to assist?
Not only is there massive amounts of information available on experts in these areas like mind-coaching and co-ordination specific experts to help sportsmen and women, but there are practical examples of this at work and evidence of its success!
If Dewald Potgieter thinks it is frustrating for them as players to go through what they are currently experiencing, imagine what the likes of Sherylle Calder feels like knowing that she has the tools to help these players overcome something which is very ‘coachable’.
Professional sports people and teams who embrace the value of these experts should never fear their team or individual form going through cycles or dips, because believe it or not, it can be explained and even fixed!
Take control, pick up the damn phone and change your destiny, it’s as easy as that.
