Oval Office January 2009

It’s all down to WILL power

By Grant Batty

That wonderful Northern Hemisphere competition between the four Home Nations plus France and Italy kicks off on the February 8.

Some thoughts on WILL.

Will England realise that those players numbered 11 to 15 can help win games?

Perhaps their flirtation with Mills & Boon will help them rediscover the romance of running rugby!

However Martin Johnson may have spent too much time during his playing days with his head jammed between two fat arsed front rowers to fully appreciate the possibilities and excitement of running rugger!

Will Wales turn up the heat?
Will Warren Gatland get more out of his troops.
There’s talent and passion there, a heady combination for any rugby team.
They’re my pick to triumph in this competition in 2009!

Will France be disciplined enough?
Is coach Mousier Lievermont a good coach but a poor selector?
Wonderfully gifted but not selected five eighth Michalak probably thinks so!

Will Ireland surprise … themselves … and the rest of us?
They are capable of it.
But first they must believe they can do it … before they can do it!
And unfortunately, behind those smiling Irish eyes there’s a great deal of uncertainty. 

Will Scotland be better?
Perhaps they need to “bring back Braveheart”?
The All Blacks do the Haka, perhaps Scotland should revert to a pre-match “flash” in an attempt to inspire themselves and place fear in the heart of the enemy!
They certainly need to do something different!

Will Italy be competitive?
Will Italy win a game?
They may win a game but, they will not win this tournament!

***
I recently read “Rugby, the pioneer years” written New Zealand rugby historian Alan Turley.

This wonderful publication traces the history of rugby in New Zealand from the mid 1800s to the very early 1900s.

It records the deeds of those who originally fostered the game so far away from Rugby School in England.

It recognises those who guided and prodded the game forward, those who battled to set standards and maintain standards.

It acknowledges those who gave the game direction and ultimately its heart.

From where the game started in the 1860’s in New Zealand to where it is today is nothing short of extraordinary.

It also highlights the fact that the game is an ever moving feast.

It’s helped me understand that the game is still in its infancy, still with growing pains, still finding its feet and still determining in which direction it will next head!

It’s made me really excited about the future of our great game … I’m now looking forward to the next 100 years or so with a great deal of confidence about the possibilities for players and supporters alike!