The decision to drop O’Driscoll.
In the week before the final test the media was filled with one message something like the British & Irish Lions had never won a series after losing the second test, that is not the correct line but its pretty close, the psyche of defeat had pervaded almost everyone. We had won the first test because Australia missed a penalty. We had lost the second test because Australia scored a penalty. IT was TENSE! We for a long long time have not coped with the pressure – the pressure of history, a history of defeat by the same opponent.
And now Gatland and the squad faced a FINAL – the 3rd test, the decider. How did he deal with that. He did so by making a decision that meant there was no fall back position. He completely broke with all the accepted theory and conjecture and ultimately the team went on to score one of the greatest ever Lions scorlines of 41 – 16.
He dropped Brian O’Driscoll from the squad. Such is Brians greatness that this was the massiveness of the decision that it sent a thunderbolt through everyones minds and that final game was watched by probably more people than had ever watched a lions tour match. It was literally massive.
WHY DID THIS WORK?
It FOCUSED minds on winning and nothing else. It completely floored everyone, such was the decision. It prompted even Willie John McBride to question it.
Anyone who understands this knows how to win.
The greatest decisions and the most decisive epoch changing victories do revolve around these decisions if they are the right thing to do. It is not controversy for the sake of controversy but when required they must be ruthless because the goal is to WIN.
We win together, we lose together – a coach must have no fall back position to protect from criticism should they lose. Its all or nothing. When its tense and a very close call this is whats required.
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Proud very proud to have had the opportunity to cover and publicise the Lions tour of 2013.
The team @ InTouch Rugby
