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Cape Town – Don’t let your hunger for a trophy become an obsession and focus on your strengths rather than worry about the Loftus factor.
That was the advice on Tuesday from sports psychologist Henning Gericke when he was asked by Sport24 what psychological approach Western Province should take into Saturday’s Currie Cup match against the Blue Bulls in Pretoria.
“The one thing about WP is that there is an incredible hunger for success. It’s important that the hunger for a trophy does not become an obsession,” said Gericke, who was the Springboks’ psychologist when they won the World Cup in 2007.
He was also the Sharks’ psychologist when they won the Currie Cup in 2008 for the first time since 1996.
“It is clear that WP have become a family this year. They should keep on focusing on the things that make them special. Province’s positive approach and aggression are among their strengths. They defend well, but can also rip opponents to pieces,” said Gericke.
Province are at a disadvantage in the sense that they have not been involved in many close games this year.
“The Bulls have considerably more experience of close games this year. They were involved in a number of close matches,” said Gericke.
He also provided some pointers as to how the Bulls could approach the game.
“The question is how hungry the Bulls are. They can use the Loftus factor to their advantage,” said Gericke.
“We have not seen the Bulls at their best yet in this year’s Currie Cup, but they know how to peak at the right time. They are particularly dangerous with their backs to the wall.”
Gericke believes the Bulls can gain a psychological advantage from the strong bond that binds them as a rugby family.
“It may well be an advantage to use the likes of Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha in their preparations. I’m sure WP are doing the same with Schalk Burger. The Bulls have built a lot of confidence over the years and WP are busy doing the same.
“It’s going to be an interesting game.”
Cape Town – Don’t let your hunger for a trophy become an obsession and focus on your strengths rather than worry about the Loftus factor.
That was the advice on Tuesday from sports psychologist Henning Gericke when he was asked by Sport24 what psychological approach Western Province should take into Saturday’s Currie Cup match against the Blue Bulls in Pretoria.
“The one thing about WP is that there is an incredible hunger for success. It’s important that the hunger for a trophy does not become an obsession,” said Gericke, who was the Springboks’ psychologist when they won the World Cup in 2007.
He was also the Sharks’ psychologist when they won the Currie Cup in 2008 for the first time since 1996.
“It is clear that WP have become a family this year. They should keep on focusing on the things that make them special. Province’s positive approach and aggression are among their strengths. They defend well, but can also rip opponents to pieces,” said Gericke.
Province are at a disadvantage in the sense that they have not been involved in many close games this year.
“The Bulls have considerably more experience of close games this year. They were involved in a number of close matches,” said Gericke.
He also provided some pointers as to how the Bulls could approach the game.
“The question is how hungry the Bulls are. They can use the Loftus factor to their advantage,” said Gericke.
“We have not seen the Bulls at their best yet in this year’s Currie Cup, but they know how to peak at the right time. They are particularly dangerous with their backs to the wall.”
Gericke believes the Bulls can gain a psychological advantage from the strong bond that binds them as a rugby family.
“It may well be an advantage to use the likes of Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha in their preparations. I’m sure WP are doing the same with Schalk Burger. The Bulls have built a lot of confidence over the years and WP are busy doing the same.
“It’s going to be an interesting game.”
