Saturday 8 October 2011

If the battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton ...


... was the rugby World Cup lost by England in the pubs and clubs of New Zealand?

I ask, because the first sentiment suggests that achievement in sport can be linked to achievement in other areas, and that lessons learned 'on the field of play' can be transferred to life in general.

That is clearly a matter for debate, but if it is true, can it not work the other way round? Cannot a persistent exercise of the lack of character in a sportman's life begin to manifest itself on the field?

The English campaign in New Zealand has been dogged by controversial behaviour off the field. Perhaps their struggles throughout the competition, and their exit at the hands of France, have something to do with this.

Two words come to mind: Tiger Woods.

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1 comment:

  1. Indeed, I was thinking that myself. In fact an Irish pundit (sorry, don't know who) speaking on RTE about England and their penalty count actually said (about 3 weeks ago) that he felt indiscipline off the field and on the field were linked. You can contrast them with the Welsh also http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2011/oct/08/wales-warren-gatland-rugby-world-cup

    Elizabeth Bridcut
    Wirral

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