Silly mistakes are proving costly for the Isuzu Southern Kings, who must rid themselves of this self-destructive habit if they want to start winning, Kings loose forward CJ Velleman said.
One victory from nine games has left the struggling Kings stranded at the bottom of the Guinness PRO14 standings and desperate for points.
They face another tough test when they take on Italian outfit Benetton Treviso at the Madibaz Stadium on Saturday.
Velleman, who is on the comeback trail after a two-year layoff because of a knee injury, said it was tough walking into the dressingroom after the Connacht defeat on Sunday.
“The guys were extremely disappointed after the Connacht loss,” he said.
“We know we are so much better than we are performing.
“It is very much a confidence thing. Once we start getting one or two wins, things will change quicker than people expect.
“It is very hard once you are 10 or 20 points behind to get back into the game.
“When you are out there it does not feel like you are on the back foot all the time.
“It feels like simple mistakes lead to a try and then suddenly you are 20 points behind and the confidence is gone.
“There are so many simple mistakes that are kind of becoming a habit.
“Once we start winning and the little mistakes are not a habit, we will come right.”
Velleman, who was known as the “Turnover King” in Super Rugby, says he is adapting to life in the European league.
“I think I made some stupid mistakes against Connacht and I must rectify that.
“I think maybe I was bit over-excited and I over-chased and used up too much energy.
“I must look at my game and use my energy at the right times. My confidence is coming back after the layoff and I am trusting my knee and the rest of my body.
“We have one game left before the break and then I am looking forward to having some good December training.
“I want to come back with a bang next season and try to make a proper mark.
“You can chase the ball all match and you do not get one turnover.
“Then, sometimes, you do not chase the ball and you get five turnovers. It is up and down and I am trying to get that part of my game right.
“In PRO14, they get over the ball and they take it away a bit quicker than in Super Rugby.
“Perhaps it is a habit I need to learn again. It is something I must review and put some extra work in and make it right. That is my job so I must do it.
“Super Rugby is a bit quicker and a bit more unstructured, so there is more time between the breakdowns.
“In PRO14, it is more structured because of the wet weather overseas. They are used to playing a tighter game.
“So you have less time and you have to choose your opportunities a bit better.”