Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

I didn't say ex players said they choked, I said they meant that using different words. Same with the affected by nerves phrase used on this thread, it means the same thing. Now we even have some stats to back it up. We didn't play the way we've been playing for the last 2 years. The occasion got the better of most of our players. Sexton missing a kick is an obvious example but him not orchestrating attacks as normal is a less obvious sign.

So you can avoid calling it choking or deny it ever happened or whatever you want but the stats and the views of some ex players and pundits state that we had 'a sub-optimal sporting performance delivered under pressure' (definition of choking).

They didn't use entirely different words, they used words that define choking. Are you more comfortable if we just say the players were affected by nerves instead?

Affected by nerves is the phrase. As above, I'd say most players on all teams have nerves, we're discussing how it affects performance. Do you disagree that Ireland had a sub-optimal sporting performance delivered when under pressure against New Zealand?

So you don't dispute the definition of choking then? Because Shane Horgan and others used the definition to describe our performance against New Zealand.

Like I said, choking seems like a harsh word. As a friend to the players, of course Horgan wouldn't want to use that word. It would make him uncomfortable like it makes you and others uncomfortable.

It doesn't mean that the players didn't underperform under pressure. Many supporters and pundits thought we underperformed under pressure. This means choking but as I said, I have no problem using phrases like 'affected by nerves' or 'underperformed under pressure' if it's more palatable.

Underperformed under pressure. Again, you can dispute the definition of choking if you want. I'll give a few examples of the definition below:

In sport, choking under pressure is a negative athletic experience that may have psychologically damaging effects

In sports, choking is the failure of a person, or persons, to act or behave as anticipated or expected

Choking under pressure ensues when athletes fail to meet their performance goals, usually during high-pressure situations

Choking can be defined as a sub-optimal sporting performance delivered when under pressure.

Now, here's what Rob Kearney had to say after the New Zealand match:

“I said before the game that if Ireland were even at 90% of what they’re capable of, they would win. They were so brave and tried so hard. They filled the country with so much pride, but at the end of the day, they weren’t at 90%. Here we are, at another quarterfinal, and we didn’t produce the rugby this team is capable of. That’s the bit that will hurt so much.”

Then Shane Horgan said:

"It’s heartbreaking because of the result. It’s also heartbreaking because they didn’t deliver the performance they wanted. Their sub-maximum performance was nearly enough, but they were quite a bit off today in a lot of areas. Some of them will have to live this for four years. Some of them will have to live with it for the rest of their lives. There is no easy way to put it."

So there you have it. Kearney and Horgan basically using the definition of choking. As I've stated. I agree with their verdict, you don't. That's fair enough. I think we should move on for the benefit of other posters.

Do you disagree with all the definitions I've listed for you? If so, take that up with those who made the definition. You may have been unfamiliar with how choking is defined, Shane Horgan may be the same. But his statement and that of Rob Kearney aligns with the definition of choking. Uncomfortable truth, yes but the truth it is.