Ireland's Stuart McCloskey keeps possession of the ball despite the best efforts of New Zealand's Codie Taylor during last Saturday's Test at Soldier Field, Chicago. Photograph: Gary Carr/Inpho
Late in a player’s career, there comes a game that sharpens the focus like no other, where you exist in a bubble of “now”. For me, that moment arrived in November, 2013, while preparing to face New Zealand.
I was running out of road. At 33, World Cup selection was far from guaranteed and Ireland were unlikely to cross paths with the All Blacks again unless we reached the final. It sharpened me in a way youth never could.
Throughout my career, I had moments, largely outside of my control, that provided perspective and acted as a catalyst. I wrote recently about the power of feedback and mental resilience, which is something every young player should embrace.
However, when your physical mortality as a player appears on the horizon, smart players recognise it and allow it to set them free, while the rest waste years worryi
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