The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog follows England's sluggish opening display against the USA in the Rugby World Cup.
Rugby: England - Surprise!
'There was a lack of physicality and energy. And I don't know why'. The words of coach Brian Ashton, after England's World Cup opener.
There is no doubt that England face a dilemma as they plot their way through this World Cup. They are the reigning champions. The World Cup holders. The team everyone wants to beat. Yet their form coming into the tournament is very poor. Not the form of World Champions.
So how does the team bridge the gap between their status and their form. Trying to live up to the status of World Champions, is possible if you are in prime form, with a winning mentality. As England aren't, they have to find another mental model.
The best example comes from the 1992 European Football Championships, when Denmark came back from their holidays to win the tournament. They had not qualified for the tournament, but the withdrawal of Yugoslavia created an unexpected opportunity. They had no expectancy on their shoulders. They simply had the freedom and permission to go out and play.
England need to discover the same freedom. They cannot carry the burden of champions without a winning mentality. So they have to create a new mental strategy. As the team written off. Discounted by the pundits. Take off the pressure. Let the shackles off the team. No expectancy. Simply how much energy, passion and creativity can we muster. Find a game plan based on attack and daring.
The current strategy gives them no chance of retaining the World Cup. Only by realising that, will Brian Ashton give his team a chance to surprise everyone.
