The problem is you cannot buy character! Players who work on farms or live off lower wages know what is needed. They know themselves. They will give everything for the cause, week in, week out.
As a representative coach, you must understand your players - what makes them tick? They are selected on merit because of their positional talent at club level. It is futile to extend congratulations to a player on being selected but then to play them in another position! See Tommy Freeman and Marcus Smith as prime examples of this recently for England.
My advice is to see it through your players’ eyes first.
Tomorrow’s (Mar 14) game against a resurgent Italy will ensure players walk a tightrope. A loss and careers could end, while selection for the 2027 World Cup squad will also be affected.
Elsewhere, Wales face a challenging match in Dublin, as Ireland look to build on their recent victory over England and boost their global reputation. This is not a poor Welsh side, but it is desperate for a win.
Scotland, meanwhile, can smash the World order by beating France. Can Scotland do it? They have five Lions backs in their team. They have unpredictability. But then again, so does France. France can turn chaos into instinctive play. Their team mobility is relentless. Every player reacts and wants to contribute.
My tips: Italy to beat England; Ireland to beat Wales; France to beat Scotland.
Wherever you live, enjoy your rugby.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.