Departing prop star looking to leave Gloucester on a high
JOHN Afoa is hell bent on leaving Gloucester a trophy winner after revealing how he has revelled in the “no fear” approach of head coach Johan Ackermann.
New Zealand World Cupwinning prop Afoa claims paralysis by analysis under previous boss Laurie Fisher prevented the Kingsholm side fulfilling its potential.
However, with a Challenge Cup final place booked and a Premiership top six finish likely, Afoa is determined to depart on a high before joining Bristol.
Afoa, 34, said: “Leading into this season I was determined not to get involved in too much stuff off the field. Over the last couple of seasons we tended to take a lot on with meetings and overanalysis but I wanted a relaxed approach.
“I’m at an age now where I know there aren’t too many seasons left so this year I’ve just free-styled it a bit, looking to play a good brand of rugby and play the game I love. Luckily, that’s suited the way Johan likes to play and I’ve really enjoyed myself.”
Afoa explains how life under Fisher became a grind, adding: “Laurie wanted a lot of structure to how we played but there are pros and cons with that.
“It provides clarity for players to know what you’re doing but if one person’s out of place it can have a big effect on the team. Maybe it was too much for some players and one mistake can put you into a negative spiral, but this season has been different.
“A lot of our players have taken to the way Johan wants to do things; we’ve got a good framework but there’s a lot of freedom within that to play what we see.
“The Premiership’s a tough competition and you can tighten up and worry too much about winning, relegation, top four, top six and all that stuff, but the way we’ve approached the game with a no fear attitude seems to have worked for us this year.
“We’ve still got business to do in the Premiership but reaching the Challenge Cup final is a good reward and there’s a big few weeks ahead now.”
Having taken his final bow at Kingsholm against Bath yesterday, Afoa will link up again with his old Auckland coach Pat Lam at Bristol later this summer.
He said: “It’ll be emotional leaving Gloucester after four years and it was a tough decision, but Pat and I have got a good relationship after six or seven years together in New Zealand and I’m excited about getting down there to add my experience.
“I’ll look to provide some leadership and help the younger boys mature, and then after a couple of years that will do for me. I’d like to play forever but I’ve been away from home for eight years now and it will be time for my wife and I to get back.”
Afoa has unfinished business with Gloucester, though, adding: “To cap off my time here with a bit of silverware would be a dream. We bombed out in the Challenge Cup final last year and didn’t play well at all, but we’re in a far better place now.”