That was one of the many reminders we always received from our coach, YM Raja Idris when we was playing at school level, state level and even when it comes to battle with the mighty Vajiravudh College of Thailand 4 years ago.
No wonder we had to undergo harsh training regime just like at the army camp minus the oval shaped ball. It was hard but the result was satisfying. We won numerous tournaments and my batch had tasted the sweetness of beating Sekolah Sukan Bukit Jalil (SSBJ) boys after a grueling training and practices.
I dont know about my other team mates, but for me I have benefited a lot from this sweat shop. I have gained tremendous confidence when it comes to face obstacle physically or mentally because that was what we usually faced in any of the rugby game.
You and your mates against cold blooded opposition.
So, one of the essential ingredients to win the game without injuring yourself too much is to play smart rugby. When I mean smart, its the distant brother of quick and creative thinking.
All of these formula need to be grinded in a split second thinking. Split second my friend, not 2 or 3 seconds after that.
One of the most important person in the team that required to have this golden ability is the fly half ( or stand off in other words). Recently, we have seen a number of brilliant fly halves at the international level of rugby and this coming quarter finals are going to be decided by this group of people on the field as the intensity and the strength of each team is almost leveled.
A quick glance on the 'need to be watched guys@ the fly half' this coming weekend:
Eric Barnes (Australia) vs Johnny Wilkinson (England):
Australia comes into this World Cup to banish the ghost of 2003 where the final score was determined none other than one of the legendary fly half ever played, Johnny Wilkinson. Sadly though, England performance after becoming the World Champion was hampered by never ending injury towards its star player such as Wilkinson himself. Soon after that, England was dwindling down the international rugby hierarchy.
Stephen Larkham will not be able to play this time around (due to injury also) but he will be happy to pass his mantle to young prodigy, Eric Barnes. Having the same age as me while playing in a World Cup must be something out of this world for young man like him, nevertheless he proved his worth in last few games in the group stage with smart kicking and quick passing.
Be cautious, Johnny is back. He wrecked the Tongans apart with his kicking and crunching tackle in the last match so expect a great battle between young blood and a reviving maestro in fly half position this weekend.
Prediction: Australia wins.
Daniel Carter (New Zealand) vs Frederick Michalak (France)
IRB Player of the Year in 2005, Dan "The Man" Carter is the current hot stuff in world rugby. He replaced Wilkinson for past few years after the previous World Cup as the leading fly half in the world rugby. Performing greatly in both domestic and international rugby matches, the Crusaders number 10 is surely the one to watch when it comes to battle the host. Quick, smart and lively with his boots has made All Black seem unstoppable in the backlines department.
Michalak, the old horse of France in the last World Cup seems inconsistent with his performance recently. Albeit with mediocre performance, he is still a genius in ostracizing the French horses to perform relentless running especially with the support by the monster forward like Chabal. Expect some tricks under his sleeve like the one he conjugated against Ireland.
Prediction: New Zealand wins.
Francois Steyn (South Africa) vs Nicky Little (Fiji)
2 drop goals against Aussie in last edition Tri Nations has made this young prodigy as the key element for the Boks. He could deliver the drop goals as good as Johnny in 2003 and can run well too. Still young like Barnes but high in confidence and will be supported by the ruthless backlines like Fourie and Habana.
Nicky Little. The highest points gatherer for the Fijians. Never seen him play though but can cause some damage with his other members like the one they did against the Wales.
Prediction: South Africa wins.
Chris Patterson (Scotland) vs Juan Hernandez (Argentina)
This old bloke is still running hot. The older he gets, the wiser his performance. Save Scotland from the Italians with his conversion. Enough said. A Masterpiece.
Hernandez is familiar with European styled rugby. Playing for Stade Francais with few other Argies, he is surely a man to watch. Argentina backlines has done well in recent years when it comes to cause major upset to giants like France and England. Well supported by the Contempomi Brothers at the back.
Prediction: Argentina wins.
Whatever the outcome is, I'm sure rugby fans will savour every moments of the quarter finals this weekend. Good luck and don't forget about Ramadhan too though!
0 comments:
Post a Comment