Q/ What were your expectations from the Argentina matches and what were the gains?
A/ The main objective was to keep getting better with each performance. Realistic goals were to play well and handle the ball well, [and] there was improvement. If we do that, the results will look after themselves.
Q/ How tough is it for a team to get back to top-level competition after a long break?
A/ We have a squad of 33 that can get good competition internally. However, a practice game is a practice game. I have been trying to change that mentality to make sure we extract the most from these games. We tried to really ramp that up last year; we started to get a little bit more science behind it to see where we are, and we present it in relation to a Pro League game. By doing that, hopefully we have managed to crank these internal games up to a point where, when we get international competition, the gap is not that great.
Q/ What were the key takeaways from the recent tours?
A/ We could get our confidence levels up, [which becomes] more relevant now that we may not get more competition. The stuff we are doing here keeps us at that international standard.
In our last camp before Germany, we had a real focus on sustained attacking pressure—the ability to move the ball around until you see an opening in the opposition’s defence. Historically, we have not done that well. We did not see much of it in Germany, but against Argentina we started to see it more.
Q/ How frustrating was the postponement of the Pro League matches in Europe?
A/ It is very frustrating, but there is not a lot we can do about it. What we can control is planning. Trying to keep the players motivated is also difficult. I have always tried to be as realistic as possible. I have told the team that every opportunity to be on a tour could be our last.
Q/ Are you hopeful of getting more tours before the Olympics?
A/ Towards the end of June, we can get something. Europe depends on whether we are on the red list or not.
Q/ How different is the team now compared with before the pandemic?
A/ It is difficult to judge. What sets the benchmark is international competition. Argentina was very difficult to beat at home. [But] having some good performances was (encouraging).
Q/ Will the team be undercooked if it goes to Tokyo without any more exposure?
A/ As far as I am concerned, we will be at our best. The stuff we are doing on a daily basis to keep [the team] at the highest level is a lot about basics. We need to reproduce that under pressure.
Q/ How do you assess the other teams in your group at Tokyo?
A/ The Olympics is a very difficult competition. No one sends a half-baked team there. [In] our pool, New Zealand and Australia [are] probably in a similar situation [as they have also] been starved of international competition. Historically, they also thrive in that situation and are very self-motivated.
Spain will be very seasoned. They are having a tournament in the end of June against Argentina and Germany. Japan, the hosts, will fight till the very end. [They] beat Great Britain recently in Kuala Lumpur.
Q/ How difficult will it be to pick your final squad without much exposure?
A/ All the messages we have been getting from IOC (International Olympic Committee) have been very positive. It (Olympics) is going to go ahead, I am sure. If you had asked me after the Argentina and Europe tours, [it] would have been easy to make a selection. Every team you pick has a core group, the ones in the middle and the last ones for specific skills.