6 Nations Rugby 2021 - The New Norm with Mike Penistone - "Win the Mob"

Mike Penistone is a world-renowened, elite coach eduacator and consultant for Energy Travel. A former head coach at Nottingham RUFC and head of elite player development at Leicester Tigers Academy, Mike was also Head Coach of the Great Britain Rugby League student team. Now based in Australia where he has worked for NSW Warratahs and as Director of Coaching at East Sydney Suburbs, Mike has coached at all levels and across multiple continents. Here is his take on what to look out for and what to expect from the 6 Nations Championship 2021.

It may seem strange to adopt a gladiatorial phrase to introduce an article on 6 Nations rugby union, however COVID-19 has prevented the rugby family attending live rugby matches.

Although able to watch games across various TV platforms, the arena seems devoid of atmosphere without live crowds. The lack of atmosphere seeps through to the domestic living room.

The challenge for 6 Nations teams in 2021 is not only to win the competition but win it in a style that excites and entertains. The losing teams must also contribute to this because the product, Rugby Union must win the mob.

Some supporters may have lost interest. New supporters need to be enthused. 6 Nations rugby must pass the pub test!

To a degree there is a certain predictability about the 6 Nations.

England (13), Wales (12) and France (9) have most Grand Slam wins.

Scotland and Italy the most wooden spoons.

Is it therefore realistic to suggest that for the first time in the competition’s history, playing style is more important than outcome, crowds must be won back, not only the live crowds but also the TV ratings crowds?

Coaches may not adhere to this premise. They will want to win with panache, but priority will first be given to winning the game in a style that best suits the ability of the players in the match day squad.

When preparing a team to participate in 6 Nations 2021 there are key issues coaches and conditioners face? Prioritising the workload will be crucial when considering player preparation. Some players will have played more games than others. Some have had periods of conditioning stopped or interrupted for COVID-19 reasons. Some matches have been cancelled.

Much consideration will be given to the big four preparation areas prior to and after selection.

TECHNICAL- PHYSICAL- MENTAL-TACTICAL.

TECHNICAL

The 6 Nations is second only in Global status to the World Cup. To play well under intense pressure, having had little game time, a player must be technically competent in the fundamentals of the game. He must also be the master of the skills of his chosen position. This will allow him to play within a structured framework or react to periods of free running and support play. Some players will initiate play through instinctive performance, daring, unpredictability, be scintillating and rewarding. They have a place in the team.

PHYSICAL

The Strength and conditioner may have to work with players at different levels of fitness. He may ask……...

• Are the players strong enough?
• Fast and working to be faster?
• Are they able to keep going?

Some will need more work than others, the repercussions huge if he gets it wrong! His measuring tools and staff will be honed to perfection. If a player breaks down in training, he can hardly be considered for selection. In the eyes of the coach those who start the game must be capable of finishing it.

MENTAL

Finally tuned concentration is needed to perform well at the highest level. Concentration can be affected by a lack of match practice. Does the player ……...

• Know and recognise his own game.
• His teammate’s game.
• The team’s game.

The coach will be monitoring the quality of individual performance in game scenario and team runs prior to selection. Are all the players on the edge of their talent prior to selection. Composure under pressure can be a trait of experience or of no concern to a young player loaded with skill.