Selectors must choose attitude before ability

 
LeftArmSpinner Roar Guru

By LeftArmSpinner, 21 Sep 2009 LeftArmSpinner is a Roar Guru

Tagged:
 , , ,

170 Have your say

Related coverage




The Wallabies selectors have consistently chosen the most naturally gifted 22 players to pull on the Wallabies’ jersey and represent their country, including those with the biggest reputations.

This became apparent with the aging team that represented Australia in RWC 1995 and was best evidenced in the selection of Gregan and Larkham for the RWC 2007.

Since then, the Wallabies’ selectors have also ignored those players failings in the most critical department, attitude.

The Wallabies naive selection approach, choosing ability ahead of attitude, has been evident for many years and extended the playing careers of the chosen few. Messrs. Gregan, Larkham and Sharpe should count themselves lucky.

This approach completely ignores the fundamentals of selection and team building. It also disregards the reality of life. Success is 98% perspiration and 2% inspiration.

I define attitude to be the mental approach and strength of a player, in terms of things like desire, determination, motivation, fearlessness, selflessness for the team cause, competitiveness, ability to intimidate and not be intimidated by opponents.

A naturally gifted player, male or female, is easily seduced into believing the hype and becoming more selfish and less team orientated as they rise through the ranks. But, there comes a point, and in the Australian Rugby players’ case, it is usually at Test level, that everyone has the equivalent natural gifts and what makes a difference is attitude and the ability of the team as a unit at critical times.

Last Saturday, the Wallabies showed that, with a few exceptions, individually and collectively they do not have the necessary attitude to be selected as a Wallaby and represent Australia. This game was a crucial one.

The Wallabies had the chance to build more momentum and self belief after a good win against the World Champions, while also exerting massive pressure on their greatest rival, NZ, when the All Blacks were already vulnerable and after being savaged by their own angry media.

Matthew Hayden, in saying “give me attitude over ability any day,” argues that attitude is superior to natural ability at every level of competition.

The adage of a champion team always beating a team of champions is as valid today as ever. Champion teams triumph because they are greater than the sum of their parts at the critical times of the contest.

The Australian Rugby Union realised that there are cultural problems in the team and made this part of the brief for Robbie Deans. It is clear that he has underestimated, and been too patient with, both the selection process and the players selected.

I have assessed the Wallabies XV that was selected for the game in Wellington, reviewing their attitude across their whole careers:

Benn Robinson: He is brave at the set piece and works hard around the field: Acceptable attitude.
Tatafu Polota-Nau: His tackling against the Springboks in Brisbane told his teammates “come follow me” and the opposition “it will hurt when you try to run the ball”: Acceptable attitude.

Ben Alexander: Has been a revelation at tight head; has a very good work rate around the field and will get better: Acceptable attitude.

James Horwill: After an explosive first year as a Wallaby, Horwill has gone missing, but could be due to a serious injury earlier in the season, worth one more chance: Attitude Unacceptable.

Mark Chisholm: Inconsistent performer over a long period – Drop and never to return: Attitude unacceptable.

Rocky Elsom: Tireless worker in attack and defence, passionate about the job, but showed signs of fear against the AB’s in Wellington: Attitude acceptable.

David Pocock: Invisible against the AB’s, but worth one more chance because he is young: Attitude unacceptable.

George Smith: playing on reputation – Time to go: Attitude unacceptable.

Will Genia: Courageous throughout both his starting games: Attitude acceptable.

Matt Giteau: His effort cannot be faulted but he is mentally weak under pressure such as the yellow card in 3N this year, and hence not a 10 – not up to a decision making position: attitude acceptable.

Drew Mitchell: After one wake-up call earlier in his Wallabies career, he has failed to produce in the big games – Drop and never to return: Attitude unacceptable.

Berrick Barnes: Courageous in attack and defence and shows signs of a cool head under pressure in 3N when Mortlock was injured: Attitude acceptable.

Adam Ashley-Cooper: Courageous in attack and defence and has been a true team man as he struggled with 4 different positions in 3N this year: Attitude acceptable.

Lachie Turner: Inconsistent performer, but worth one more chance as he is young: Attitude unacceptable.

James O’Connor: Tough and courageous and his effort cannot be faulted, but makes silly mistakes that he needs to eliminate from his game: Attitude acceptable.

In summary:

Acceptable attitude: Robinson, Polota-Nau, Alexander, Elsom, Genia, Barnes, Ashley Cooper, O’Connor (8)

Acceptable attitude, but not in a decision making position: Giteau; (1)

Unacceptable attitude, One more chance: Horwill, Pocock, Turner; (3)

Unacceptable attitude, Drop and never to return: Chisholm, Smith, Mitchell; (3)

I have used the term “Acceptable Attitude” to emphasise that there is only one standard acceptable when a person represents their country in anything: 100% physical, emotional and mental commitment at all times, on and off the field.

To emphasise the essential point of this article, O’Connor has been assessed as having an acceptable attitude, despite a poor game last weekend. It is not that you won’t have a bad game, its how you react to a bad game. He kept trying.

Deans and his selectors can simplify their selection criteria for the future Wallabies’ squads: identify players with the necessary attitude and develop the skills and abilities they need.

Get this attitude to take hold in the Super 14 teams also. Look at players like Tom Carter, Tim Davidson, Stephen Hoiles, Brett Sheehan or Dave Harvey.

Apologies for not including more non Sydney based players. I just don’t know them well enough to comment.

Get a daily rugby union email

Our daily emails are only sent if there is content for the sport. You can subscribe to multiple daily emails; or get the daily Roar email with all our content in it.

We value privacy. More.