Quote: Maccbull_BigBullyBooaza "If you've just retaken the lead with 13 minutes left and then let in two converted tries and two penalties at home I don't think that's fitness. I think that's an attitude problem.'"
Agreed. We field that kick-off, complete the set, put in a reasonable kick & chase, Sheffield start their set 80/70 metres from their try line, the forwards have to get back. Instead we messed up the kick-off and Sheffield start the set 40/30metres from out try line. That instantly gives them energy and drains ours.
We can be as fit as we want, but fitness can be in the head too. You feel more tired if you have to jog back to your own 20m line to start your set 80metres away with 10 mins left. If you start 40metres after the opposition made an error, you feel less tired.
That's why I think its an attitude issue rather than fitness. We don't bite down on the gum shield and complete those tough crucial sets. We consistently mess up and put pressure on ourselves and give the opposition a lift.