Hugh McGahan: All Blacks set the template

How are we to show support for our high-profile sporting teams when they're not living up to expectations? Can the experts be taken at face value when expressing an opinion or should they be treated as treacherous leeches communicating a view to whomever wishes to listen?

This is a contentious issue among fans when a so-called expert gives his or her opinion on an issue. Most commentators don't give their heartfelt opinions when working for a sports organisation or even when they're commentating, as their broadcasting is dependent on ratings and, therefore, they are encouraged to speak positively or risk removal. Those who speak openly and freely tend to no longer have direct links to the sport. They give us another perspective on what may be happening within a team or sport.

These perspectives allow us to make an assumption based on two points of view. But if we tried to give an opinion on another sport, how would it be received and what would the reaction be? I have not been one to hold back so I am going to enter the lion's den (pardon the pun) and give my view on the OTHER code. The All Blacks have provided this nation with an insight on how a team can handle pressure. Over the past three weeks, this team has had thrust upon them the expectations of a nation wishing them to annihilate the Lions in a way that leaves no excuses for the experts to be critical of their performance. They have also endured constant deflections from their superior performances against the Lions, highlighted by a tackle and other nonsensical matters off the playing field. They have also not been given enough credit for making the Lions look inept throughout the series.

We tend to forget how much work is required to train, both physically and mentally, to recover and rehabilitate, entertain both the media and fans with scheduled sessions, have some fun and then try to relax to re-energise and refocus on the task at hand.

This team has done it but without the credit it deserves. If the All Blacks had lost to the Lions, what would this country be saying? Would they be critical of them and highlighting this poor Lions team? I think not. The team would be hung, drawn and quartered just for losing and the coaches would need to put together their CVs.

Please allow me to congratulate the performance of the All Black coaching personnel for the way in which they have conducted themselves throughout this test series - from a sports enthusiast it's been a delight to see a team work together for the common cause and I now include the players.

I highlight this issue because the pressures are similar no matter what the sport. There's always talk of the pressure of being a one team, one town side, like the Warriors. That's true but so do all our high-profile teams.

Rugby league is not unique and if the Warriors want to be taken seriously and become a champion team, then they need to act like champions. This starts with winning no matter what the situation or whatever the pressures are because, when the team becomes a champion one, you have to win every week given the fact everyone wants to knock you off.

Support is there for the Warriors and people only want the team to do well. They need to play for the fans and not just to keep the critics off their back every week. But to do this they must change their mindset.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY