Vodacom Super 14
Lions send shrink to NZ
2010-03-15 18:15
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Henning Gericke (Gallo Images)
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Wellington - The Auto and General Lions have decided against a tongue-lashing from management after their massive defeat at the hands of the Waratahs. Instead, they will be sending a psychologist.
The team sent out a statement from president Kevin de Klerk who decided not to make the trip after announcing on the weekend he was heading to New Zealand. De Klerk said he had decided to rather send World Cup winning sports psychologist Henning Gericke to try and get the Lions head straight. .
"After reviewing the current situation over the weekend, I have decided not to undertake the trip to New Zealand, but instead to send our team psychologist, Dr. Henning Gericke, in my place. .
“ I have full confidence in the coaching staff and in Henning's ability to lift the team, and I am certain that they will bounce back over the next weekend. .
“ There are many commercial and other commitments that have to be attended to - both at the Union and within my own business, and again, after careful thought, it has become evident that the 12 days away from the office could not be sacrificed.” .
But while Gericke boards the plane, De Klerk gave coach Dick Muir a vote of confidence to do what is seemingly the impossible, and get the Lions to win a match in this year’s competition. .
“Again, I wish to reiterate that I have full confidence in the coaching staff and the team to do this turn around", de Klerk said. .
However, facing the Crusaders this weekend, it is a massive ask to cause what would be the shock of the season against the third-placed side.