Rugby Bricks Podcast Episode 36 Show Notes: Mike Cron | The Man Behind The All Blacks Front Row & Becoming One Of The Most Innovative & Respected Coaches Of All Time
Mike Cron first began working fulltime with the All Blacks in 2004 and after many years as the All Blacks Scrum Coach, moved into a wider role as the Forwards Coach in 2012. Mike has been coaching since 1982 and is recognised as one of the most innovative and respected coaches in the world.
Mike has now retired from coaching the All Blacks forwards and is now focusing on creating a mentoring platform for young players and coaches who are coming through the ranks. This is the first time Mike has appeared on any form of media outlet for a long-form interview and the value in this episode over-delivers. We cover:
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Mike’s ability to learn from a range of different professional sports including the NBA, NZ Royal Ballet, NRL, sumo-wrestling, shotput and many more
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The two core contact points of your feet and shoulders in the cleanout, maul, ruck and scrum and how to transfer power through these points to maximise dominance in the game
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How to explain and deliver drills to athletes and gain their buy in when teaching new concepts and foster questions around why these drills are being taught and creating a safe environment for questions
- What Mike teaches players when entering the scrum for greater body awareness and simplifying the scrum in a way where all eight bodies move in the same direction cohesively to gain dominance upfront
There are so many more gems in this episode that these four highlight points barely scratch the surface. I’ve said this before but this is our best podcast yet and for me, it was one of the greatest learning experiences I’ve had as a coach.
If you’re a forward, back, coach or admirer of the game of rugby this episode will blow you away. I’ve listened to it four times since recording it and I’m still getting new insights. Listen, learn and repeat.
DETAIL
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FULL SHOW NOTES:
(1:25) Mike Cron, Background as All Blacks Scrum Coach.
(4:04) (67:15) Gilbert Enoka, All Blacks Mental Skills Coach.
(5:10) Hillmorton High School, Mike’s Former High School.
(5:12) Dennis Young, Late Ex All Black Hooker - Mike’s High School Rugby Coach.
(5:17) Victor Pollard, Mike’s High School Cricket Coach.
(5:49) St. Andrews College, Mike’s First Coaching Role (1st 15 Team).
(9:15) - Ballet, The Royal New Zealand Ballet.
- Sumo Wrestling, Traditional Japanese Sport.
- UFC, Ultimate Fighting Champion - (Cage Fighting).
(9:18) - NFL, National Football League.
- NBA, National Basketball Association.
- NHL, National Hockey League.
- Netball, NZ Silver Ferns.
(11:38) Wayne Smith, Former All Blacks Coach & Player.
(11:40) Tony Gilbert, Former Assistant Coach of the All Blacks.
(11:52) Mike Cron’s Scrum Session, Video Library.
(12:00) Taine Randall, Former All Black No: 8 - Player Profile.
(12:01) Anton Oliver, Former All Black Hooker - Player Profile
(13:45) Melbourne Storm, NRL Rugby League Team.
(13:52) Brazlian Jiu Jitsu, Traditional Martial Arts.
(17:05) Craig Bellamy, Current Melbourne Storm Coach.
(18:27) Rodney Jarman, Local Wrestling Coach.
(18:34) Jamie Macinsosh, (Whooper) Player Profile.
(22:46) Tom Walsh, NZ World Champion Shotputter.
(23:40) Dale Stevenson, Athletics & Tom’s Shot Putting Coach.
(24:09) Ofa TU'ungafasi, Current All Black Prop.
(28:35) NZ Under 20's Team, NZ Youth Squad.
(29:12) Owen Franks, Ex All black Legend.
(41:25) Chris Jack, Ex All Black Lock - Player Profile.
(44:14) Tony Woodcock, Ex All Black Prop - Player Profile.
(44:34) Brad Thorn, Ex All Black Lock - Player Profile.
(45:10) Richie Mccaw, Former All Black Captain & Legend.
(45:12) 2015 RWC Tournament Highlights, All Blacks vs Wallabies.
(49:49) Springboks Rugby, South African International Rugby Team.
(53:30) Kieran Reid, Ex All Blacks Legend - Player Profile.
(53:39) Sam Whitelock, Current All Black - Player Profile.
(56:22) Steve Hansen, Ex All Black Head Coach.
- Best Player He’s Coached
(68:36) Dan Cron, Mike’s Son, Coaching Staff with the Hurricanes.
Added Content
- Flow State Joe Rogan Podcast
- Feedback in Athletic Coaching
- Mike Cron’s Retirement from the All blacks
- Mike Cron’s Greatest player of All Time
- The All Blacks Front Row Club 2019