PHOTO: Gilbert Enoka, the former mental skills coach for the All Blacks. COOK ISLAND NEWS
Gilbert Enoka, the mental skills coach for the All Blacks, is embarking on a new journey after serving as the team’s manager of leadership for 23 years. Enoka, who joined the team in 2000 alongside Wayne Smith, played a pivotal role in 291 tests, contributing to the All Blacks’ successes, including back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories, 18 Bledisloes, 3 Grand Slams, as well as Tri Nations and Rugby Championships.
Beyond his tenure with the All Blacks, Enoka’s diverse background includes being a former New Zealand volleyball representative, general manager of Harcourts real estate company, and collaboration with teams such as the Silver Ferns, Black Caps, and the Crusaders. Despite his achievements, Enoka’s early life involved time spent in an orphanage.
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Reflecting on the recent World Cup final loss to the Springboks, Enoka shared his inner turmoil while watching the game unfold. He emphasized the importance of maintaining composure externally, even when emotions run high internally. Enoka views high-performance sport as inherently unfair but stresses the need for seizing opportunities despite challenging circumstances.
The All Blacks’ ethos revolves around teamwork, with a focus on individuals subordinating their egos for the collective good. Enoka believes that aligning personal goals with the team’s objectives helps prevent egos from taking root. He encourages team members to challenge their self-awareness, emphasizing that vulnerability is a strength and seeking help is crucial for personal growth.
Enoka acknowledges the role of physical activity in managing the mind, noting that the body can influence the brain positively. He advises using physical movement to shift mental states and explore untapped potential. Learning from moments of failure is essential, with Enoka emphasizing the importance of not losing the lesson even when facing setbacks.
One of the pivotal moments in Enoka’s career was the All Blacks’ 2007 World Cup defeat by France. Acknowledging responsibility for the team’s underperformance, he highlighted the importance of seeking support to overcome challenges. This experience became a springboard for subsequent successes, with Enoka emphasizing the team’s ability to crystallize under pressure.
Enoka also shared valuable insights into effective communication during adversity, emphasizing the impact of language choices. Shifting the mindset from expressions like “take care” to empowering phrases uplifted the team, demonstrating the power of positive language.
In a nostalgic reflection, Enoka highlighted some of his top games, including the iconic 2000 Bledisloe Cup game against the Wallabies and the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. He also commended the All Blacks’ resilience in the face of adversity, citing memorable performances in crucial matches.
As Enoka embarks on a new chapter, his wealth of experience and lessons learned will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the All Blacks and the broader realm of high-performance sports.
SOURCE: RNZ