The flawless tale of Tietjens
All Blacks Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens can firmly say that he is one of the most, if not the most, decorated coaches in international rugby history.
This achievement has not stopped the New Zealand coach from trying to better his own achievements and he did just that when his side won their second World Cup title in Moscow on Sunday.
Tietjens has been responsible for 10 World Series titles as well four Commonwealth gold medals and is potentially the most successful rugby coaches in the history of the game.
He was an unbelievably pleased man after his side romped to a 33-0 victory against England in the World Cup final at a soggy Luzhniki Stadium and he put the turnaround from his side down to attitude.
"We stumbled a bit in the first two days, but today in every game we played superbly and just so proud of the players and the way they performed.
"It’s great thrill. To come up after the World Series and to cap it off with a World Cup is a tremendous season for us. And great to do it with the guys here tonight," Tietjens added.
The 57-year-old was incredibly happy with the way in which the gameplan payed off for his side. They played to a certain plan and it worked out perfectly – their demolition of England being a perfect example.
"We had a tough draw. We really just went one game at a time today. Fiji was a big one for us and perhaps most pleasing was the way we stuck to the game plan to beat England and comprehensively.
"They played right into our hands and we knew they would.
"We played a bit of good footy in the weather too which was great for the crowds. It was a bit of a kick fest and the All Blacks Sevens don’t like doing it, but it was all about winning a World Cup," the coach mentioned.
Tietjens was full of praise for his inspirational captain DJ Forbes.
"He hadn’t won a World Cup so it meant a lot to him so I made sure he stayed on to the end. Very pleasing for DJ, such an inspirational leader and he has done so much for New Zealand Sevens," Tietjens said.
Forbes, winning his first World Cup, after the disappointment of 2009 was hugely emotional after the final.
"This is truly a humbling experience and I'm almost lost for words.
"I'm just so proud of the boys. This win is for the boys, the management here and everyone back home. It's really great to get another trophy," added Forbes.
