The benefit of big game belief

Even in the face of mighty pressure, the unit always feels in control of their destiny. They finally have to prove they have that big game mentality by hammering Wales.

SOME teams have what’s known as a ‘big game mentality’. They have the ability to turn up and perform at the highest level, on the most important days. These are the teams who step on to the pitch, knowing that they will be leaving 80 minutes later holding a trophy, having suppressed the efforts and ambition of the opposition.

This mental strength doesn’t just appear in a side. It is usually something that evolves, the individuals and the group learning from experiences, both bitter and sweet. In 2000 Munster faced Northampton in the Heineken Cup final. Earlier that year we had a meeting in a UL lecture hall where our goals for the year were set. Fitness coach, Dave Mahedy, who was chairing the meeting, asked for input from the players, realistic ambitions for the year. It was the usual stuff: ‘Win our home games’; ‘Beat Ulster in Ravenhill’; ‘Attempt yet again to win a game in France’. Suddenly Keith Wood called out, ‘Win the Heineken Cup’. Everybody laughed. It was incredible. We were the self-appointed no-hopers of the tournament.