Gussy is a top bloke. He says the right things and absolutely means them too. I think he must be so gutted about just missing out, like we all are. What an achievement it could have been for him in his first year as the main man. I am pleased we have got him and really can't wait for next season! (Is the league really beginning in October?! Yikes!)
Interestingly, on Rugby Tonight they were talking about how Saints hadn't worried about their position in the league but just kept focusing on the way they played. I think we did the opposite. We became so focused on confirming fourth spot that we didn't know (collectively) how to see each game out. I know the wind did for Smith at Sandy Park and poor old Lang missed by 30 centimetres! However, I mean that in each game the team froze or were hindered by their expectation to confirm the semi-final spot. In two other cases, we were way better than Sale and were up by 6 v Saints in the dying minutes. Sarries were quality in the second half but we had played well and potentially had more to give.
Winning is a habit. That run from January to March was wonderful because we played with joy and without pressure. The away win at Bath will live long in my memory. Then, all of a sudden, that blooming Gloucester game had a lot riding on it and they went for it. We stumbled. Sigh.
The mentality is vastly better than last year but is going to be the main priority again for Gussy and his team. The players, coaches, skills, strength, ground, kit are all brilliant! We can chase a game we just need to keep working on the ability to close a game out. One of the hardest things to do consistently in sport.
Anyway, enjoy the summer boys. Well played.