Lace up our boots to head straight into the thick of the psychological action that determined the outcome of the Rugby World Cup. Hosts David and Jay are joined by a true rugby luminary - Kevin McLaughlin, the celebrated Irish international who is no stranger to the high stakes of top-flight rugby.

Kevin brings a wealth of experience from his illustrious career with Leinster, with over 100 appearances that shaped an era of dominance for the club, culminating in three Heineken Cup trophies. His insights from the international stage, with eight caps for Ireland between 2010 and 2013, offer us a rare glimpse into the mindset, preparation, and fierce competition that defines the World Cup.

Today's match reviews are anything but ordinary. With Kevin's expert analysis, we're going beyond the scoreboard to understand:

• The impact of pressure and how to prepare for it.
• The importance of player leaderships and how legendary Irish players like Jonny
• Sexton, Leo Cullen and Brian O’Driscoll played different roles.
• How the 19 teams that didn’t win the World Cup can bounce back and rise again.

Whether you're a die-hard rugby fan or a newcomer eager to learn what makes this sport so captivating, this episode is your ticket to understanding the psychological nuances of a game where every pass counts and every tackle can turn the tide of a nation's hope.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Kevin McLaughlin's personal highlights from his time with Leinster and Ireland.
• In-depth discussions of key psychological moments in the Rugby World Cup final;
• who panicked and who had standout performances.
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Kevin's professional playing days.
• Insights into the mental preparation of elite rugby players.
• Predictions and expert opinions on what comes next for New Zealand and Ireland.

A big thank you to Kevin McLaughlin for sharing his time and expertise with us. And to all the rugby fans out there, this one's for you!

Chapters

00:11 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:01 Discussion on Rugby World Cup and Resilience

02:28 Kevin's Insights on Resilience and Pressure

03:04 Kevin's Personal Experience and Resilience

03:48 Discussion on South Africa's Performance

04:44 Kevin's Experience at Leinster

06:17 Analysis of New Zealand's Performance

14:24 Discussion on Player Leadership

19:15 Kevin's Insights on Player Leadership

22:25 Research on Leadership Roles in Sports

25:21 Understanding Distributed Leadership in Teams

26:46 The Role of Player Leadership in Team Performance

27:15 Reflections on Leadership Roles in Irish Rugby

37:13 The Impact of Losing a Leader During a Game

40:38 Dealing with Loss and Maintaining Team Standards

42:56 The Role of Coaches in Handling Team Losses

47:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections