Episode Twelve : Fletcher Smith - The Perfect 10
Reel Tails with Sweens - Podcast By Dwayne Sweeney
Episode Twelve :
This episode I chat with the world’s most skillful number 10. We cover the highs and lows of professional rugby and the pathway Fletcher took to get there. From playing for Nelson College 1st XV as a year 10 but then making the move south to Christchurch Boys’ High, meeting with Tony Brown and making the decision to head to Dunedin for a chance at a professional career, All Black defence coach Scott McLeod running it straight at training. We also discuss the importance we both place on team culture and the importance of feeling like you are valued, his move to the mighty Mooloo’s, winning the Ranfurly Shield then losing it to his old team, end of season sunday sessions and so much more.
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Show Notes:
2:36 - How we know each other
.
5:39 - Growing up in Nelson and his time at Nelson College
.
7:08 - How he developed his outstanding skill set and trusting his ability
.
12:26 - His move from Nelson College to Christchurch Boys’ High
.
21:12 - Meeting Tony Brown and deciding to head to Dunedin to become a professional
.
25:52 - All Black defence coach Scott McLeod running it straight at training
.
29:20 - Roger Randle and how he taught us to play without fear
.
32:38 - His time with New Zealand Under 20, the players he played with and the caliber of players that I played New Zealand Under 21 with in 2005
.
36:43 - His time with the Hurricanes
.
40:42 - The importance we place on team culture and making people feel comfortable
.
46:26 - The pressures of being a professional rugby player in New Zealand
.
54:40 - Playing multiple sports growing up
.
1:01:22 - The growth of rugby in USA and how exciting the possibilities are
.
1:04:16 - The atmosphere that a big crowd makes
.
1:08:02 - His move to the mighty Mooloo’s
.
1:14:45 - Winning the Ranfurly Shield
Highlights of 2018 Ranfurly Shield victory over Taranaki.
1:18:50 - Losing it to his old team Otago
.
1:20:36 - The key to success is to be task to task focused, just like Sam Cane
.
1:25:28 - The Man Adam Burn
.
1:27:55 - How satisfying it is when the team performs in players milestones
.
1:30:40 - Getting revenge against his old team Otago and winning the final
2018 Final Highlights
