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Believe me, we are well aware of just how badly we have failed to live up to the expectations of our supporters. Don’t let anyone tell you that criticism from the media has no effect on professional sportsmen and women. You would have to be a robot, a Trappist monk or possess an ego of stellar proportions not to be affected by critical comments pouring forth from the insatiable 24 hour, multi media, ever intrusive world we now live in.
But, as a professional, we all must accept that this comes with the territory. We enjoy the fruits and trappings of success when we perform well. We have to come to terms with defeat and the criticism that follows when we fail to deliver. It is how you react to that criticism that will determine future success. I certainly don’t want to experience it again and will use it as a motivating factor in the future.
There are four teams who should need little motivation next
weekend because I still think any nation is capable of beating the others on the day.
Wales have been a revelation. A positive blend of experience campaigners and seven players not yet 24. From the start they have played the dynamic, high tempo rugby – both in defence and attack – which is now required at international level.
Ireland will be disappointed not to have gone further but Wales were magnificent in the quarter final against them. Ireland will be remembered for their epic victory over Australia in the group stage and might still be able to claim that they were the only side to defeat the World Champions of 2011!
Everyone was aware of the attacking potential of the Aussies but it was a hugely committed defensive performance that was responsible for the narrow victory over the holders South Africa. With less than a quarter of the possession and territorial advantage, the Aussies manned the barricades to such good effect that the Boks failed to score a try!
Argentina continue to win over rugby followers with their positive and gallant efforts on the field. They caused favourites New Zealand quite a few problems for a considerable time in their quarter final. I wish them well and further improvement can be expected as, next year, they will be playing in the Four Nations tournament against South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
I will be watching the semi finals next weekend in Paris as I have to report back to my club, Stade Francais. Soon my wife Helen will return from Bali where she has been working in a children’s orphanage. I am sure that some of her stories from her experiences there will help me get things into perspective.
Cheers, Tom


