@mariner4life said in Black Ferns v Wales QF - RWC:
@ACT-Crusader said in Black Ferns v Wales QF - RWC:
@Jailbreak7 said in Black Ferns v Wales QF - RWC:
Main diff between mens and womens game is that the BFs really enjoy themselves out there, all smiles and really want to play for each other.. Shot of the bench showed teamates relaxed and having fun. Think the mens game has lost that spark and energy somewhere. Weight of Expectation? Too serious, need to lighten up and play with more freedom and the passes will stick.
You still see the ABs getting excited and celebrating. Sometimes it looks out of relief (eg Melbourne Bledisloe and final try) and others just genuine joy and excitement in the moment no matter at what point in the game it happens.
Just some of my thoughts, but you can’t overlook factors like the amount of money involved in the game, the fine line between being in and being cut for many players, the whole ‘AB legacy’ vs ‘play my own game’ tension. This does build pressure and expectation within and from the outside.
Fuck, take this place as a microcosm, times it by a millions for Stuff and Facebook
Have a look at the comments directed at any fucking player that dares to show a bit of emotion on the field. To celebrate. To puff the chest when they do something cool. You think that doesn't filter back to the fucking players?
NZ is still a very serious introverted little backwater in many ways. The ABs are still supposed to be stoic farmer types. Jog back to half way like it's nothing or you are a flash fluffybunny with a shit selfish attitude.
Good on the girls for ignoring that shit. But let's not pretend the pressure or expectation is the same
They can show the way though.
I tell you what. Clubs around the country better be gearing up for a boom in their womens teams next year. There will be a few that a happy if they hopped on the bus a little earlier as well.
