That was until one looked into the mirror, the morning after that night before.  Yes, it had been a tough finale, and it was written all over my face… *Yawn*…  Nevertheless, the warm mellow glow of Commonwealth GOLD is enough to encourage extra Jam on the toast as brave New Zealand, All Black, and BackingBlack fans step out into the Wednesday of another week!

Did you stay up for the Final?  Did you see the early morning darkness through?  Could you handle the heat when the 7s Kitchen was on Fire, and it needed a Shower, I mean, a Stower, of the Sherwin variety to help put it out?

Yes, it was a sensational victory for this very Un-Commonwealth band of rugby brothers, lead by an incessant Titch [Gordon Tietjens], who have now gone through 4 Commonwealth Games without losing a match on their rugby record, providing us a Golden moment to remember before the Telecom BackingBlack Tour storm begins!

However, before we move our minds on to the end of year tour, there are a couple of fan lessons we can learn from the 7s victory, particularly as we project to a William Webb Ellis dawn! 

1] There are going to be multiple moments of struggle to, Kill Bill, and win this trophy

We need to be reminded of this reality, as our assumption can be that it is just a matter of turning up, and the job will be done. Yes, expect there to be some very stressful moments for the 2011 RWC Champions… A sporting past-time generally involves a competition and a battle for supremacy.  We, the fans, need to be ready for this, not only as we watch things unfold on television, but especially for those… please let it be me… who will be at the grounds at the business end of the Tournament.  If we are naive about this, we can very easily be shocked into silence and random moments of thoughtlessness and panic can overtake and overcome.  Forewarned is forearmed, and those who know that the war will be tough will be more readied for the battle when the Kitchen is on Fire!

The 7s team, in the midst of the 2nd half, were behind by more than a try, they looked tired, and if the Australians had scored next, I think we all know what the result may have been.  What to do at such a time as this?  On Twitter I was reading distressed and panicky responses from those who were thinking the worst… Yes, the unthinkable! [insert: that the Australian Jersey had won the night].

However, in the cut and thrust of elite sport, being down and seemingly out, is part of the journey, and as in life, where there are valleys and mountain peaks, such is the trail to traverse toward the finish line.  We need to expect there will be multiple moments for our All Blacks in the 2011 RWC, and while the opposition and their fans would like to see such moments paralyse our hopes, dreams, aspirations, and support, these are the moments when we need to, KIA KAHA, Be Strong, Standing and Supporting Our Boys in Black, Out Loud and In Person!

We will be readied to do this, if we are practicing what I am preaching…

2] We have got to stay strong in our confidence and belief

Believe. Simply put and definitely demonstrated by the New Zealand 7s team who said that their will was to be done. In the business end, when it counted, the Blacks were the bankers!  Behind 17-7 and being dominated at the break-down, which is mandatory for 7s dominance, was it time to mentally, emotionally, and intellectually give up?  Not for the players who continued to believe that they would outlast the Australians, and with the introduction of fresh and firing legs, the New Zealand 7s team turned the lights out on the Australian outfit, proving that if you never give up on never giving up, with a belief set in GOLD, you will be wearing the medalion with your stepping out gear on, in the end!

The All Blacks have also proven this season that they are the team who know how to finish off the opposition, and have spoken about their belief that has driven them on to victory.  However, as the RWC has generally not been a happy hunting ground, you can sense how the opposition and their fans will be invigorated by this perceived chink in the All Black Armour. As this perspective is encouraged, their belief rises, and what we most dread dawns.

But 2011 has to be and will be different, and we the fans need to set the standard.

The 7s prove that if you allow your belief to be defined by the convictions of your rugby character, you can handle the setbacks, rise above, making it all better in the end.  Conversely, and as fans, if we allow a given moment to define our sense of the final outcome, we turn into panicky teens with that huge ZIT on Formal Night, where what we most dread, becomes our reality, and it turns all septic!

We Need to Mature!

Come Rugby World Cup 2011, let us remind ourselves of our 7′ GOLD, let us reflect on the All Blacks’ recent finishing form, and let’s stay strong with a believing resolve, that no matter the score on the board between minutes 0-79, it really only matters when the clock strikes 80!

Given the All Blacks’ ability to execute and finish strongly, underscored by their winning record, we can have a resolve throughout the battle that the All Blacks will win the war!

Yes, you say, but this is a Rugby World Cup, and these are different.  You are right, this will be different!

While there are no guarantees in the world of sport… I am a Believer… Thank You, Justin!  We at BackingBlack will be Backing the Boys All the Way… PERIOD!  Let’s Back Them Together!

Once again, Massive Congratulations to Gordon Tietjens, DJ Forbes, and all the Boys.  You have made us Proud!

Can’t Wait for 12 months!

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking