VISIT OF SIR ALEX FERGUSON
“A few of us including myself are very much in awe of him. He is a fantastic man and really nice to take a few bits and bobs off him where you can. It’s pretty special when someone of that magnitude walks into the building. As you can expect the players were glued to every word. Obviously he has achieved so much in the game and the way he speaks is so grabbing. You tend to turn your head and listen when he talks. I think the boys really appreciated him coming in, taking some time to come in and talk to us.
“I think him coming in to talk to us can have a big impact. They key thing is we have got to try and take away things that have made them so successful. Jamie Peacock has also come in the last few weeks and he spoke really well about leadership. We definitely spoke about that before the semi-final and this week. Sir Alex spoke about some of the things that worked for him and he definitely remembers the losses more than the wins, so don’t lose basically. It’s hugely valuable and it puts everyone in a great frame of mind when someone like that walks into the building.”
LAST GAME BEFORE RETIREMENT
“I am massively proud of where the club has come from over the last six or seven years. When I arrived we finished eighth or ninth and the goal was to make the play-offs which we did. Now to be in the final is massively special and rewarding for all the work that has gone in. I think what was really special was to see the stadium in the semi-final. It was unbelievable to see a full house and the passion in the fans. As we have alluded to the job is not done and we have another big hurdle this weekend.”
DIFFERENCES FROM SEMI-FINAL DEFEAT TWO YEARS AGO
“I think you have got to learn from games like the defeat to Exeter in the semi-finals a couple of years ago from the mistakes we made. Maybe we expended too much energy during the week. The way we want to play this year we have really found our identity. For the most part we have had the discipline to stick to it. I think it’s about identity and having better awareness around game situations which has helped us this year to put us into a home semi-final initially which we know how big that is. We have another game against the best team in the league, we are going in as underdogs and we have to go out there and make sure it’s a special day.”
KEEPING AN EVEN KEEL ON EMOTIONS
“It’s important especially early in the week at the end of last week we enjoy it as well because I think if you get too emotional early on you will drain yourself of energy whether you like it or not. In the semi-final week we got it right. We all had family at the semi-final which makes it emotional. Whether it was too emotional or not I’m not sure, we got the right result. We know we didn’t perform as well as we think we could have. I think emotion is important but it is about using it at the right time.”
RECENT FORM
“I don’t think anything has changed since I announced my retirement. I just think it’s how it goes in rugby, sometimes you play well and sometimes you don’t. Ultimately all players are human. The best players in the world go through phases where they don’t play well. I have hit a good patch in form. I think when you come towards the end of your career there definitely is some perspective and maybe a little weight off my shoulders this year. You realise you have got to enjoy it as after this week that’s it; no more rugby, no more coming to the club. Maybe that has played a role.”
RETIREMENT IS HERE
“I think it has dawned on me. I am sure there will be times in the future where it’s more of an issue. I must say I feel as ready as I ever have to finish. I think the time is right for me. It’s a privilege to be able to finish on my terms, that’s a huge thing for me. I said to myself when I start finding it a little unenjoyable going out to play when it’s cold and wet in January maybe I know the time is right and I would say December/ January I definitely knew the time was right. My body is also telling me the time is right. I have a few niggles that are holding me back a bit. I’m excited for the next chapter and going home. I have been away from home for ten years, not only myself but my family have sacrificed a hell of a lot. I think it’s time I give back to them a little bit.”
CHANGES FROM STEVE DIAMOND TO ALEX SANDERSON ERA
“There are a lot of similarities between Alex and Dimes. They have different strengths and weaknesses. A big change has probably been on the mental side of the game. Allowing young players more of a voice to feel more comfortable which I think has shown in performance of a lot of the young guys. There is a little bit more freedom within the group. To be fair to Dimes he laid the platform. Under him we should have been in one semi-final and the club grew a lot. Maybe that hit its ceiling. Alex has come in with a different perspective and a different way of doing things from a very good environment. There has been a big change around the place in terms of a safeness for people to say what they want and a freedom of expression.
“I think in ways Alex is controlling in terms of he wants things in a certain way. When he came in he saw a lot of potential in the group and guys have been given a chance. If you look at the likes of Joe Carpenter, Tom Roebuck, Bevan Rodd and Gus Warr they have taken their chance and excelled under Alex Sanderson. That’s a testament to them and him. It’s been fantastic for the group. The young guys bring so much energy, hunger and drive. The young core group coming through has been a huge change who will hopefully be around for many years.”
ASSISTING ALEX SANDERSON
“I think Alex has spoken openly about us having some honest conversations. We have definitely had a few interesting conversations and lots of good ones. I would hope to think I have helped him. Alex has come from an environment at Saracens where the success and trophies speak for themselves. If I have helped him in some way then great. One thing I haven’t done maybe to my detriment is sit back and not say anything. I need to say what’s right for the team. Over the last 18 months/ 2 years that Alex has been here I think we have created a great synergy where we are able to say what we feel as a senior group and the coaches respond to that. Hopefully that has contributed to the success as well. When Alex first arrived I said I will challenge you and he said he would challenge me, but it would never be in front of the squad because that is not respectful. Hopefully off the back of that he improved as a coach and I definitely improved as a person and a player because of our relationship.
BEN CURRY
“Ben has come on leaps and bounds in the last 18 months. I think he is a leader who leads by example first and foremost. One thing I have been really impressed by with leadership is he is able to delegate and allows people to contribute from a leadership perspective while he is leading. The most important thing is he leads through his actions on the pitch. Is he leadership potential for England? Yes I think he could be. He is still a young guy, which people sometimes forget as the Currys have been around for five years. Emotionally he has got a bit to learn but the potential is there for the both of them. Ben has been outstanding and I feel for him getting injured not just for the final but also with the World Cup on the horizon. I know how hard he has worked and how much it means to play for his country. I feel massively for him.
“They are special players along with the du Preez twins. I have been very lucky to have played with both sets of twins. Hopefully I have impacted their careers as they have definitely impacted mine.”
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