Ability, Data or Culture

So it is knock out stage of the Rugby World Cup - have to agree it has taken a little too long to get here, but we are here, and what a weekend ahead. It has made me think about what makes the difference between the top sides and the next level might be.

Usually we all jump at talent, great players make all the difference- but on reflection, it is far more than that. When I have listened to Farrell talk about Ireland and Galtier talk about France and what they have both done since being involved in their respective roles, they speak far more about the culture, the values, the chemistry in their teams than the playing or ability. It is about trust, in each other, in the coaches and in the game plans. And perversely trust can only be created through challenge, through experiencing discomfort together, through seeing people for what they really are in moments of pressure.

Through tough, honest disagreements about behaviour, values, playing styles and priorities. Both Farrell and Galtier have created cultures that embody the dream of playing for Ireland and France, that foster confidence and enjoyment alongside focus and hard work. Players want to be there, they understand what they are training for, playing for and fighting for on the pitch, they believe in it, because they have been part of creating it.

New Zealand have always been in the forefront of team culture and values when it comes to rugby and South Africa also have a very strong sense of history, identity and values, hence both team's great legacies and success. I also think those four teams have got the balance right in actually playing the game.

Data is important and needs to be studied, but it must be a help in deciding how to play rather than dictating how to play - a huge difference. Data and the technology that generates it should enhance a game, rather than define it.

The very essence of sport is the emotion that it evokes and this is achieved through moments of sheer brilliance, of breathtaking skill and daring. It is why men and women strive to play, why they train so hard to hone their skills, for the chance to test them against the best and to test themselves. Brilliant sport is about anticipation, about precision and about taking risks in order to beat opponents and in those moments we see the elation of winning and the desolation of defeat and sport evokes in fans and players alike emotion that binds them to sport and brings them back time after time.

The study of and strict implementation of data driven strategies does not allow room for these moments of free thinking, of decision making and skill, leading to a soulless imitation of what sport should be. Don’t get me wrong, I do believe data can give understanding and foundations to game plans and game strategy, but the best teams in France have married this to their players natural playing ability and allowed them the freedom to ‘play’ when opportunities open up in front of them. They are not blinkered by adherence to pre planned moves above all else, they stay alert for those moments in games when mistakes are made, that a computer hasn’t predicted, and in those moments they play!!!And it has been so good to watch.

So what a weekend we have. Here’s hoping we see the very best of rugby, the values, the cultures, the abilities, the bravery and the moments of breathtaking brilliance………