2011 Rugby World Cup: France Must Ignore Draw Implications and Play to Win
By on September 5, 2011
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France is an enviable situation. They have their spot in the next stage of the 2011 Rugby World Cup secured heading into their final match of pool play. However, this is where a decision comes into play.
They will be playing New Zealand to determine the winner of Pool A. The winner of that pool will likely be facing a harder draw to get to the World Cup finals. The path of the winner is likely to run into the always tough South Africa or Australia in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, the second place team in Pool A will slide into the side of the draw filled with Six Nations opponents. France is much more familiar with these teams, and they are not perceived as being as tough a matchup as either Australia or South Africa.
France cannot worry themselves with these possibilities. It is too big a risk to their mental attitude and momentum.
Sports is a game of confidence. Successes build and roll into the next match. France built up a great amount of confidence and momentum with their thrilling victory over Australia in pool play. They need to keep that same attitude rolling against France and attack them with full force.
If they do not, they risk their players losing the edge that earned them their current favorable position. It would also send a message to their team that they fear potential matchups.
That is never healthy. Teams need to be confident that they can beat anyone and anywhere if they play their game. The focus needs to be on doing their job and playing up to their abilities, and not on worrying about what or who their opponents are.
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