The mark of a man’s character is his loyalty when the chips are down.
My fighting record isn’t much to boast about: three wins, four loses – two by technical knockout, one by points, and the last because my elbow was dislocated in a kamura they called a stoppage as I refused to tap. You find out what you’re made of in the ring.
The early four o’clock starts to run, train, spar, run some more, pad work, repeat. Work during the day, weights at night; then there’s the extra sessions with you jujitsu coach. You’re constantly talking to yourself and questioning your own doubt.
There isn’t anything glorious about being a fighter. There’s no money and life is routine with very little reward. Only the top one per cent of the one per cent make it. Let’s talk about the trauma to your body later.
By the opening paragraphs many of you may question why this blog relates to rugby. Well, here it is: I am the ultimate rugby fan.
I love the Tahs. I worship the Wallabies/ Results may not have gone our way, but I don’t care. As a loyal fan I don’t quit. We don’t quit. That’s it. There isn’t another option.
Everyone in Super Rugby is frustrated, from South Africa to the successful Kiwi franchises. The ratings are down, results aren’t going anyone’s way. It hurts. Excuses are a choice. However, being positive is also a choice.
You can choose to quit. You can choose to fail. Or you can choose to be positive. Winning is a conscious decision. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. Simple.
I am challenging everyone, every sport fan in Australia, to get behind their state, because you know what? The boys underneath the media and the facade of being a professional sportsman are hurting. They’re bleeding. In the eyes of their own people their reputation is shot. It hurts.
I’ll be there behind the posts of every Tahs game, and I know there are loyal fans abroad around the country backing their team.
Whether you’re South African, Japanese, Argentinian, Australian or a Kiwi, the challenges between provinces and countries is what makes this competition truly unique.
I’ll see you behind the goal posts.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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