Already I note the media knives are out and the seeds of doubt are being cast on the qualities and leadership of Kieran Read, an All Black, and now, captain. To those I note, get off his back!
Having graduated from a well-known Regular Officer Commissioning Training establishment many years ago, I recall having drummed into my head the traits of leadership. Leadership is defined as being; “The art of influencing and directing people, to assigned goals in such a way, as to obtain their confidence, respect, and loyal cooperation.”
The All Blacks now have a new leader. Kieran Read has lived in the shadow of the retired Richie McCaw for several seasons, and as the new captain the focus on Read by the public, media throughout the world, players, coaches and other teams in his early stages as skipper will be phenomenal. Considerable fact and fiction will be written about him, especially in these early stages of his captaincy.
Read has nothing to prove. He is captain and leader of the All Blacks because he fulfils the leadership traits far better than any other player in his team. He not only possesses scarcely believable skill levels like McCaw, but leads by example and gives inspiration to those around him.
There will be those who will endeavour to compare him with McCaw, but as every military commander knows, every battle is fought differently because the circumstances are always different with every battle.
Read will not need to grow into the leadership role; he is already a leader with the same traits and capabilities as McCaw. The difference now is that he will steer the ship. My only concern with Read is longevity. He has suffered in the past with concussion and, knowing the man well, he will not shirk the responsibility of being the dynamic player that he is and has proven to be. My fear is that with the extra responsibility of being captain, Mr Concussion will grab him and force retirement upon Read earlier than expected.
Should anyone dare to believe the changing of the leadership guard in the All Blacks will affect their performance, you are sadly mistaken. Read will do a wonderful job and be another in the great line of great All Black captains. In the lead-up to his captaincy debut I wish him well, as do many who respect such a quality player and great leader.
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