\n<\/p>\n
Tiatia has been the architect of the upturn. <\/p>\n
Normally his public persona is somebody who does not give much away but during the quarter-final win against Zebre in Italy, you saw a rare public image of him leading the celebrations.<\/p>\n
“The huddle is a personal thing and it was great it was captured on screen, I was so proud of the players,” said Tiatia.<\/p>\n
Former Wales fly-half James Hook played with Tiatia at Ospreys. Hook described him as “an animal on the field and your nan’s favourite off it”.<\/p>\n
“You don’t see everything of me, maybe you see some of the little bits,” said Tiatia.<\/p>\n
“What I give you is what I give you. When I’m watching the game I’m not overly emotional but people who know me, know the true me.”<\/p>\n
Tiatia is in his first full season as head coach and believes getting to know the players has been a key component of any turnaround.<\/p>\n
“One of the biggest things is around care for one another,” said Tiatia.<\/p>\n
“Players and staff understanding each other on a deeper level, not just surface level, actually bone-deep. <\/p>\n
“Understanding it’s people first and then understanding the player. That’s been a big shift, not just trying to get the best out of them but also having players take responsibility.”<\/p>\n
Tiatia was asked what he meant by bone-deep. His answer was illuminating.<\/p>\n
“Surface level is knowing people by face and respectfully saying hello,” said Tiatia.<\/p>\n
“On a deeper level, I will introduce myself to you and tell you where I’m from. <\/p>\n
“I’m from Wellington. I’m Samoan. My first language is English, it was Samoan, I speak Japanese. I speak a little Italian.<\/p>\n
“I’m a learner, I’m an introvert, I’m a trained extrovert. When I’m stressed I’ll be quiet. <\/p>\n
“When I will be quiet, I’m thinking about my family first and foremost.<\/p>\n
“I was taught from my parents very early on that gratitude is one of the biggest strengths. You understand what you have and you’re grateful for it.<\/p>\n
“Those are things I would share at a bone-deep level. We then have a deeper understanding about each other, about our morals and values.<\/p>\n
“Also the mistakes I’ve made as a young person is something I can now relate to with the group. <\/p>\n
“I don’t want the players to make the same mistakes and they’re becoming the best version of themselves. So it’s not just coaching. It’s holistic growth.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n