It’s not often that I watch rugby. I was brought up in a household where football was the sport of choice. But on Saturday I somehow managed to chance upon what turned out to be a Neon sporting moment.
There was the result, of course. How could Japan have possibly beaten South Africa? But really it was the spirit with which Japan won the match that I think really had the impact and, as one reporter that I read wrote, “reminded us of the thrilling release from daily drudgery that sport can provide.” Imagine in those last few moments, having the opportunity to take the penalty kick in order to draw against the mighty South Africa. And then imagine taking the other option and really playing to win. Japan took that option and led for something more, something I suspect was connected to their sense of pride and purpose. And boy oh boy, it paid off!
That’s what we mean by creativity — focussing on bringing something new into being, rather than on avoiding or minimising risk. No doubt there was a big dose of clarity of purpose in there too.
I might even tune in again to the Rugby World Cup.