Man U Syndrome
Big Chief
By CJB
September 11 2010
CJB takes an individual look at Exeter Chiefs first Premiership visit to Welford Road.
MAN U Syndrome
OLD TRAFFORD - WELFORD ROAD SYNDROME !?
Leicester Tigers 37 Exeter Chiefs 27
Have you noticed how many penalties are to Man U at Old Trafford?
Undeniably Man U are a top, top team; but the 50-50 decisions that go against opponents when the Theater of Dreams is in full voice is so often the deciding element in determining the result and that decision in a moment on a 50-50 call. Yet so often this IS the difference between winning and losing in top flight sport.
The record shows that Tigers beat Chiefs at Welford Road today. Leicester are proven champions of many campaigns fully expected to put the South West Premiership new boys to the sword…
Just maybe Welford Road is rugby’s Old Trafford
Just maybe visitors need to win by 9 points or more to get a draw at Welford Road
Just maybe referees, commentators, pundits and neutrals are influenced by the Welford Road syndrome!!?
Winging and moaning over some questionable and crucial refereeing calls amd pondering on the ‘If only.. will change nothing….
Tigers won with a bonus point and Ex left with …. NO POINTS!
Yes .... ! This is the Premiership where Exeter Chiefs are deservedly playing their rugby this season.
The odds were stacked against Chief’s, or indeed any promoted side; before the start of the season. The jingoistic old boys Premiership network dedicated to self-preservation builds the fences higher for the new boys while paving the way to preserve the status quo with huge financial benefit as they byury their noses deep into the funding trough allowing only half a diet for the aspirants.
Enough of the underlying subversive elements that will continue to conspire to make it a tough road for the Chiefs this season. We can and I think we will overcome the obstacles.
It was once said:- “You cant fart against thunder” an unfortunate turn of phrase but an underlying meaning that the Chiefs have to face. Tough refereeing calls, reputations, traditions and fierce opposition have to be faced and overcome as the season unwinds.
My opinion, for what it is worth, suggests the Chiefs are good enough. I believe we won this encounter at Welford Road in most areas other than the score and yes our set scrum more than creaked under real pressure, but in most other aspects I think our boys edged it at one point tearing the mighty Leicester to shreds !
Robbie said before the game that he was looking for improvement as our boys continue to learn the pace, intensity and guile that is Premiership rugby.
In defeat I thought we were a better team than against Glaws and Robbie can take heart that we did learn today. IF…. Just a few of those oh so big refereeing calls had gone our way, make no mistake about it, Chiefs could and would have taken winners the points.
Although only the second week of the season I think we have seen enough to know that Chiefs CAN successfully mix it with the big boys and more than hold our own in Elite level rugby.
The trick now is to harden the minds of the players and build a deep rooted belief and confidence that goes right down to the core of the spirit.
Confidence and belief as individuals, has a team and has a club is now more important than our physical performance on the field.
We’ve got to overcome the soul sapping, gut churning disappointments of seeing a sensational historic victory rested from our grasp in a caldron of noise: when commentaries talked the certain inevitability that the old guard will raise their game to put the new boys in their place: when the volume of the baying crowd urges the home town heroes to break through our defence, crush our scrum, steal our line out and smash us off the park.
When Castrogiovanni sized up to Hayden Thomas in the closing quarter and other Leicester players waded in support, I was minded of school-yard bullies. Having been fairly outplayed and needing something to put doubt in the minds of the opposition stumble their challenge. Needing to asserting the ‘rightful pecking order’ what better way than to wade in with physical, emotional and challenging intimidation? Front up with the assertion that this is our turf and how dare you assume you are able to run with us and beat us on our ground, in-front of our fans when we are so great with a fabulous history and tradition and …. Who are you anyway!!
With crucial refereeing calls going against us and the efforts of the home team rising to a fever pitch climax, it takes a very special confidence and resolve to stay totally focused, composed and disciplined. To step up to the plate, meet the challenge and do enough to win in this environment is what champions are made of !
We played well today, very well indeed. We could and maybe should have won but we came away with no points. Our task now is as much in the mind and heart of our team as it is in their physical endeavor.
It’s a big game next week. One we can and should win. Our players are certainly good enough! They have to perform at the top of their game and continue to grow and build the confidence and belief that WILL keep us up this year and go on to make us one day into the Champions of Elite level rugby
Come on your Chiefs !!
Man U Syndrome
Posted by: thechiefstribe.com (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2010 22:44
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Re: Man U Syndrome
Posted by: Tiggs (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2010 22:51
As I mentioned elsewhere, you will learn to get more from these games in the future. The likes of Leeds have learned that you have to take at least a point from these kind of games, as points are not offered on a plate very often. You made the opportunity but failed to grasp it. Next time I believe you will not be so generous !
Re: Man U Syndrome
Posted by: Moorsman (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2010 23:36
Seems that Robin Cowling may have been thinking along the same lines as CJB - BBC report
And Richard Cockerill has some complimentary words for the Chiefs...
And Richard Cockerill has some complimentary words for the Chiefs...
Quote:"Exeter will cause a lot of teams a lot of problems. They caused us a huge amount of problems today.
"You can't just take it that we played poorly. They deserve a huge amount of credit for what they did.
"Today we had the shock of our lives and it's been a reality check for everybody."
Re: Man U Syndrome
Posted by: SK 88 (IP Logged)
Date: 11/09/2010 23:59
I wouldn't worry, the only team to get a point at WR last year was Worcester and it didn't turn out so well for them (well Clermont in the HC as well but you get the drift).
Re: Man U Syndrome
Posted by: Galvo (IP Logged)
Date: 12/09/2010 13:08
Well played Exeter. To get nothing out the game is unjust, but highlights just how tough it is to play away in the GP.
Perhaps we can watch the game again and learn from you guys how to do the basics well.
Next season when (not if) you survive and have a full salary cap you will cause even more problems. The best attribute you have at the minute is that you are a 'team' and that shows in the way you play.
Best of luck for the rest of the season and see you on New Years Day!
Perhaps we can watch the game again and learn from you guys how to do the basics well.
Next season when (not if) you survive and have a full salary cap you will cause even more problems. The best attribute you have at the minute is that you are a 'team' and that shows in the way you play.
Best of luck for the rest of the season and see you on New Years Day!
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