What a fantastic performance by the Commonwealth Games sevens team; a fourth consecutive gold medal, and Gordon Tietjens has gone 24 matches at the games since 1998 without defeat.
The 24-17 victory over Australia in the final was sevens rugby at its absolute best. As usual, the New Zealand game was built around swarming defence, lethal attacking and supreme fitness; the hallmark of any team unfortunate enough to be coached by Gordon Tietjens!
We're not going to single out any of the players; this was a complete team performance. In just four outings, sevens rugby has become an essential part of the Commonwealth Games; now roll on the Olympics!
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Don't single out any of the players, but Tietjens must be the best coach in any sport, anywhere in the world...
Well said INV2 and especially JS. Perhaps Tietjens should have a role with the AB's. He seems to have motivation skills others can only dream about.
@ pdm; I agree and disagree. Tietjens is a superb coach at sevens, but that hasn't translated to the 15's game. He works brilliantly in partnership with the All Blacks coaching team as a talent spotter, and a developer of young players. They've also sent a few players back to sevens to get them fit or to re-energise them. Personally I'd like to see him retained in that role, with a view to an Olympic gold medal in 2016.
As a foot-note; Olympic sevens in Rio in 2016; doesn't that sound like a HUGE excuse for the party to end all parties?
We will have to agree to disagree her INV.
It is a long time since Tietjens had `hands on' long term coaching of a provincial XV. He is a lot more experienced and mature these days and I think warrents more involvement.
Sure he is a good talent spotter and I think his `man management' is underestimated and probably under valued.
It's not just the motivation and man-management. Holding back Stowers as he did then subbing him on against the tiring Aussies was tactical perfection.
Agreed James; likewise the fact that he placed his faith in Toby Arnold to replace Tomasi Cama in the final; Arnold repaid that faith in spades!
I am firmly in the camp that says G T is a superb sevens coach, talent spotter, tactician, motovator and his gut wrenching attitude to fitness and preparation is probably irreplaceable as a package. I was excited when he was given a role as a 15s coach with BOP but it didn't translate. Just as good ABs don't necessarily make good coaches at any level or game, Gordon Tietjens is in his zone and as we wait for a replacement, if it aint broke don't fix it, Just give him a knighthood and leave him to get on with the great job he has and will continue to do.
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