In the recent Six Nations match Ireland were chasing the game.
They were down 5 points, in overtime but their chances of winning were looking good.
They were attacking well and they had just earned themselves a penalty.
All Billy Burns had to do was kick the ball into the corner and Ireland would secure great field position and an even better chance of winning the game.
But Billy missed.
He committed a school boy error and missed touch.
And that was it.
Game over.
Ireland lost.
It went from a very promising opportunity to an instant loss because of Billy’s embarrassingly poor kick.
Now from watching the aftermath of the game it looks like young Billy is in danger of blaming himself for the entire loss.
No doubt some annoyed punters will!
I think the best option for Billy to recover from this is to remind himself that everyone makes mistakes.
In fact you don’t have to look too far to find evidence of this.
James Lowe’s momentary lapse in judgement cost Ireland a try.
Peter O’Mahony’s unnecessary aggression meant Ireland spent the majority of the game with a man down.
Jonny Sexton was in a very similar position twenty minutes earlier and made the exact same mistake Billy did.
The simple fact that Ireland were chasing the game meant they had played poorly.
So, Billy, don’t be so hard on yourself.
Everyone makes mistakes. It was just unfortunate that yours came at a crucial moment.
It’s important to view this experience objectively as it could become a career defining moment for you.
Thomas Duggan 