Progression does not mean experience needs to be thrown out the window
There is this trend to muster out the more senior members of the rugby community because they are regarded as ‘superfluous’.
The often desperate need for change sometimes overlooks the true value experience can bring.
You will often hear the claim: ‘Your time is up, old codger, it is now our turn.’
Now I am all for ameliorating and fine-tuning to have a better product.
But just because a suggestion comes from a ‘graybeard’, it doesn’t mean his ideas are dated or out of sync with modern trends or needs.
We experience it in all aspects of everyday life, but more so in the need for revitalization in the rugby industry.
It was played up again this week when respected Springbok and mahatma Dawie Snyman penned a perspicacious and enlightening column for Rugby365.
As usual, there were those applauding and being appreciative of some of his bodacious suggestions – including ‘yellow cards’ for match officials.
And, on the flip side of the coin, there were those who dismissed his contribution as the ramblings of an out-of-touch oddball.
However, in a subsequent discussion with Dawie Snyman, it became very apparent that most of the criticism levelled at his suggestions were the result of subjective critique by people who made no attempt to understand or explore the background of his proposals.
Let me illustrate.
I love nothing more than to sit down for a chat with my colleague Paul Dobson – a decorated and well-respected writer, a man with 50 years of experience in refereeing and rugby.
I learn more from listening to Paul, because of his vast knowledge and background. Because of his wisdom and experiences, I become wiser and more informed.
As they say, listening is learning.
It was a similarly enlightening experience when Dawie Snyman put some context to his suggestions this week.
I was well aware of Dawie’s achievements as a player. Those are well documented.
However, his proposals were not the works of a disgruntled former player. He is still very much involved with the mentoring of present coaches, at various levels.
They were the conception of a seasoned and forethoughtful visionary with heaps of very useful experience in the administration of the game – a person willing to share his contemplations and ideas.
Given that Dawie Snyman served in the administration of the game since the mid-1970s – first at Stellenbosch University and later also at the Western Province Rugby Football Union – he has a lot of insight that could be tapped into.
Prop luck! https://t.co/xa6Aaf167y
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) April 25, 2020
I am not, for one minute, suggesting he should be hauled back onto some or other executive committee.
However, sitting down and listening to ‘experienced’ former administrators like this could not hurt, especially in relation to the ethical side of the game.
This is the primary factor that should guide the game through time.
We are often far too quick to dismiss people because they are ‘old’.
Let’s not forget that Stellenbosch is the biggest ‘club’ in the world – with 1,300 players in its heyday – functioning much like a province or franchise today, with all the various committees and sub-committees.
Making an organisation like that function successfully takes some doing.
Then there is the ‘innovation’ of two referees on the field, which to this day still functions successfully in the Stellenbosch hostel leagues.
So why could it not work elsewhere?
Perhaps, just perhaps, it is – as Dawie said – the attitude adaptation of the vision of those running the game at present.
As that well-documented proverb goes: ‘Where there’s a will there’s a way.’
Maybe if the attitude of players, coaches and referees change, we may not need radical changes to save the game from ruin.
With that in mind, go read Dawie Snyman’s suggestions again.
With the right behaviour and demeanour perhaps the number of disciplinary hearings will decline – just as they did at Stellenbosch University when attitudes and circumstances changed.
Comments on RugbyPass
“But with an exceptional pass accuracy rating “ Which apart from Roigard is not a feature of any of the other 9s in NZ. Kind of basic for a Black 9 dont.you. think? Yet we keep seeing FC and TJ being rated ahead of him? Weird if it’s seen as vital to get our backline beating in your face defences.
1 Go to commentsThanks BeeMc! Looks like many teams need extra time to settle from the quadrennial northern migration. I think generally the quality of the Rugby has held up. Fiji has been fantastic and fun to watch
13 Go to commentsLets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
11 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
9 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
11 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
22 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
9 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
35 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
35 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
17 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to commentsWhat a player! Not long until he’s in the England side, surely?
5 Go to comments