Burns has had an uneven career and admitted as much in his post-match interview. What has never been in doubt is his commitment to the game and he deserves the special memories that will come with such dramatic a denouement. When you look back at the match, you have to say that though only three points separated the teams, Tigers were worthy winners. They had the confidence to empty their substitutes bench and take off several of their experienced starting XV, trusting their replacements to negotiate the fraught last quarter of the game.
If you watched on TV, you could not fail to miss the distinct features of Kevin Sinfield, Tigers’ recently appointed defence coach. Cameras turned to him so often because his side produced several outstanding periods of Leicester defence. This part of the game is not just, or even mainly, about technique and organisation; it is as much, if not more, about sheer guts, which Tigers have in spades.
Having talked to several people at Leicester, all identified Sinfield’s work as being a major contributory factor in their title win. What is it about his work or about him that makes the difference?
First of all, they say that Sinfield knows his brief and doesn’t step away from it. He is able to communicate his message clearly and concisely and reduces what could become complicated problems to more manageable proportions.
Yet, with Sinfield there are other factors as to why his input has been so effective at Leicester and those are not down to anything more technical than his character.
When you are coached it is not necessary for your coach to have been an international player because it is about them teaching and you learning. Provided they can identify and communicate ways in which you can improve, their former playing status is not important. That said, when you have a former player who can coach as effectively, they can have an even bigger influence on you.
With Sinfield’s simple lessons comes a playing and coaching career, in both codes. His phenomenal successes in league and the fearless passion with which he played the game are there for all his players to see. When players see how good Sinfield was; when they hear about his 100+ miles charity run for former team-mate Rob Burrow; when they see his passion and desire, whatever his message it is always heightened.
Sinfield is adored and respected in equal measure at Welford Road because his humility chimes with Tigers’ down to earth values – he is the best of men.