Embracing the philosophy of knowledge sharing, the Sharks have spent the past two weeks intensively working with specialist attack coach, Brad Mooar, who hails from New Zealand.
With the Sharks having identified the need to improve and evolve their attack, this has been an area of keen focus for the team since they began pre-season training a couple of weeks ago, with Mooar sharing his ideas and philosophies on this aspect of play.
By all accounts, the involvement of the highly-respected New Zealander has been extremely well received, with Mooar introducing fresh ideas and a unique approach to attacking rugby.
Mooar, who is the current head coach for New Zealand’s Southland rugby side, said he had enjoyed his time here after receiving the invitation from technical director Brendan Venter.
“The goal from Brendan’s point of view was for me to come in and just bring some extra detail and some different ideas on attack. This is a learning curve for all parties and an opportunity to build relationships with good rugby people. We exchange ideas a lot in New Zealand, and it’s great to be able to do that here.
“It’s just about having another set of eyes and a different perspective, looking at different ways of attacking. It’s the little things, sometimes you can overcomplicate things, and it’s about going back to basics. All the systems are in place here,” he added.
Considering the perception that South African rugby generally lacks the natural ability and the kind of flair we associate with New Zealand teams, Mooar outlined his views on the matter.
“The main difference is a decision-making one; in New Zealand we’re a lot more comfortable with allowing opportunity over system. In South Africa, it’s traditionally about system-based rugby, and saying this is what you will do, and so when an opportunity arises, the players still stick within the system.
“If space opens up, why not play it? That, I would say, is the key difference. Once you’ve got past that, then it’s just about providing the skills around that.”
In this regard, Mooar said a mind-set change was required.
“The players involved in high-performance sport, the athletes are all going to be pretty similar. There are a lot of big men and good athletes here (at the Sharks). But it’s about a players’ mind-sets – becoming and being comfortable playing and taking opportunities, and knowing that if they have a go they’re not going to be criticised on Monday.
“In the players’ minds, somewhere, is how they used to play before coaches complicated things for them. In New Zealand, we attack, that’s in our make-up, but it’s about finding that balance between having structure in your game as well.”
Mooar said he had been impressed by the work ethic.
“The players are more than keen to learn. They have been outstanding. I think they are quite keen to attack, and it might not always be about attacking more, but attacking better. Somewhere between the South African philosophy and the New Zealand philosophy is a very powerful beast.” - Daily News