Re: Did the All blacks Miss Lomu ?

On Mon, 01 Dec 2003 19:27:53 +0000, Greig Blanchett <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:

>On Mon, 01 Dec 2003 10:49:47 GMT, [EMAIL PROTECTED] (David Lloyd)
>wrote:
>
>>On Mon, 01 Dec 2003 00:14:55 +0000, John Williams
>><[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

>>>You have a thing about Wilkinson not making it. that depends on injury
>>>rather than anything else. He's already shown his motivation is second
>>>to none. It depends on how he is up top more than anything, and the WC
>>>wobbles are as likely to add to his experience as anything.

>>I agree with you. Wilkinson's work ethic will ensure his play will continue to
>>improve. He can only become a better player in years ahead, barring injury of
>>course. Although I'm a NZer Wilkinson's commitment should be admired and his
>>example followed by other players, particularly those who have a kicking role in
>>a team. Imagine what could happen if other players spent hours practising
>>kicking with both feet, drop goals and conversions and penalty shots. Perhaps
>>their goal kicking and tactical kicking would also improve drastically. 

>I think Wilkinson will quit for his mental health. He's living a
>schizophrenic life as it is. He's constantly pushing the "team effort"
>wagon, and the harder he pushes it, the more the media lionises him.
>He can't win. The pressure to outdo what he's already achieved is
>going to be enormous, and as anybody familiar with the British media
>knows, if he slights them or lets them down, they'll turn on him like
>a pack of wild dogs. He didn't ask for this, and as he seems a
>sensible chap, I pick he'll give it all up.

At least he is unlikely to get the sort of pressure Barry John or a
player in SA or NZ would get. You have posted something regarding the
sort of pressure he is put under by the adoring Newcastle public - not
too frightening I suspect. If he decides to take a commercial route
and cash in with loads of extra-curricular contracts, I could see him
losing his way. The revolting Max Clifford (PR/publicist/agent) was on
record suggesting he could cash in to the tune of £5m in the next
year. That sort of work could easily turn someone, but there's no
reason to suspect Wilkinson will go that route from what I've read.

I guess some tabloid stings and hounding is a possibility, but they
prefer more salacious material than he seems likely to give -
especially if his rather attractive girlfriend is a goody.

-- 

Regards,
John Williams