- Wow, what a week it has been for the Proteas and Blue Bulls. Both teams brimming with confidence at the start experienced what sport is all about. The Proteas slumped to their biggest ever World Cup defeat by 130 runs, and the Bulls were left scratching their heads after two successive losses at home, in front of their die- hard fans.
But, not all is lost, if they can grasp the fine lines between winning and losing. The Bulls started the season with what looked like the best SA Super 15 franchised team on paper. They got off to a cracker at Loftus with a try within minutes versus the Stormers. Then a high ball was dropped, and a front row man was suddenly injured and off .Things just got worse, and an inspired Stormers team, under the leadership of a pumped up Duane Vermeulen, took full advantage .The following week it was a much improved display, but another loss at their Loftus fortress. Instead of just playing rugby, the Bulls were suddenly chasing the outcome. And in sport, as in life – that never works well. Too much fussing and fretting, and not enough flexibility and flow.
The very same seemed to happen at the MCG on Sunday .The Proteas came unstuck as soon as Vernon Philander got injured . Their heads dropped, catches dropped, over rate dropped, as India took full advantage and dominated. And India delivered a master class performance. .Well it’s only a game, a stage game, and all is not lost. It now just remains to be seen if they have’ taken heed’, and realize that that one’s ships come in over a calm sea.
Hopefully, they will go into the knock out phases with a calmer demeanor, because they are likely to play in front of 90 000 ‘ hyped up ‘Aussie supporters – a far bigger challenge than 80 000 ‘cricket loving’ Indian supporters.
Luckily sport always produces great ‘bounce back’ stories. That’s why we love it!
#PROTEAFIRE. It’s times like these that call for calmness, support and an extra dose of what great champions are made of – Faith, Confidence and Belief (F.C.B).
Rob Opie is a brand coach, key note speaker, author and game changer to individuals and organizations. For more insight and inspiration derived from the great champions of business, sport and life – please visit Rob’s recently re-launched website at http://www.thegameplan.co.za/
