New Zealand Rugby Sevens
Coach Gordon Tietjens is undoubtedly one of the game’s unsung heroes; he could easily be termed the best rugby sevens coach ever. He has led his side to eight IRB Sevens World Series titles, three Commonwealth Games Gold medals and numerous other titles.
All Blacks Jonah Lomu, Joe Rokocoko, Christian Cullen and Eric Rush are just some of the many players who have passed through “Mr. Sevens’” school of excellence.He spoke to the Kenya Rugby Union ahead of the Safaricom Sevens 2010 where he will be the tournament's Chief Guest.
MotivationTietjens is still very passionate after sixteen years at helm, after winning all that sevens rugby can currently offer. He says he is motivated by unearthing new, talent and seeing his charges move on to greater heights. He attributes his success to the family culture that he has instilled within his team. He says,” you have to build a culture, a real family culture within the team. You’ve got to have players that have a really good work ethic. It’s important to pick players with natural talent and skills. I work my players mentally and physically. The work ethic and culture give you the ingredients to go out and win titles.”
Emptying the tankHe says “emptying the tank” is about a player giving his 200%, give his all. That is why physical and mental fitness is important. If you get that collectively and consistently within your squad …you can’t go wrong.”
Pressure from the rugby-mad Kiwi publicTietjens says fans now understand that rugby sevens is part of New Zealand’s rugby development. He says players like Lomu, Cullen and Rokocoko have use sevens to launch themselves onto the wider rugby arena, featuring for the All Blacks and their respective Super 14 sides.
He also recollects his side’s very first loss to Kenya saying, “It was always going to happen…I didn’t want it to happen to us…that’s sevens rugby for you. There are about seven or eight sides that can win any tournament. The emergence of these teams has made the level of competition so much tougher. New Zealand obviously set the benchmark, winning eight of the first nine IRB Seven World Series titles but these teams have emerged, changing the whole complexion of sevens rugby. We are now forced to be consistent. You must be consistent. We once won a World Series with only one tournament win and plenty of consistent results that helped our cause. That is key in winning a series. ”
Tietjens thoughts on Kenya’s Rugby Sevens teamTietjens said, “Kenya is a very good side, they probably lack consistency at the moment. They lift themselves whenever they play New Zealand, Samoa… they need to do the same against the Portugals, Canadas et al. That is the way to treat every game. Good teams are those that do it week in…week out. That’s one goal I set for my team. You must win.”
“Kenya needs to build depth to cover injuries…it is really important. Kenya perhaps needs to bring in younger players to work with the senior players”, he added.
His thoughts on his first visit to Kenya
“I am excited to be here. Kenya is great. It has fantastic athletes who have lit up the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. They have the physique and stamina to be great sevens players.”
He said he wouldn’t be surprised if sevens rugby became a massive sport in Kenya.
“The Kenyan team are great crowd pullers on the IRB Sevens World Series. They always attract massive support all over. In fact, I remember our quarter final fixture against Kenya during the Las Vegas leg…we felt like we were playing in Kenya. It sure is great to be in Kenya. I look forward to enjoying my stay and catching great rugby action too.”
Watch this interview online:
http://www.youtube.com/safaricom7s