How to cope with that knockout feeling
When rugby players talk about the pressure that comes with the knockout stage of Rugby World Cup 2011, they might reflect on the perspective offered by the legendary Australian cricketer and Second World War fighter pilot Keith Miller when asked about the pressure he faced in Test matches.
"I'll tell you what pressure is,'' said Miller. "Pressure is a Messerschmitt up your a***. Playing cricket is not.''
Thankfully, do or die will not literally mean that on the sporting fields of New Zealand this, or any, weekend, but it cannot be disputed there is a lot riding on the outcomes of the four quarter-finals.
The Wallabies were reminded this week of how their counterparts in 1995 felt when they crossed paths with newly arrived Australia fans at the airport as they were leaving South Africa after being booted out in the quarter-finals. Those involved in 2007 felt the same emotion in France when they were beaten by England, also in the quarter-finals.
New Zealand also know the depression of losing tournaments they have been expected to win.
Thriving on pressure
South Africa have been relatively successful at this event, winning it twice, but wing Bryan Habana is well aware of the weight of expectation.
"When 65,000 people say goodbye to you it's very difficult,” Habana said at the start of the tournament.
“And when you get greeted by the President (Jacob Zuma) and he tells you to bring the cup back, he expects you to bring the cup back.”
Springbok captain John Smit held the Webb Ellis Cup aloft in 2007 and thrives on the pressure of all-or-nothing big games.
Asked on Monday whether he was feeling pressure, Smit's answer may give some insight into why Springbok coach Peter de Villiers values his leadership so highly and resists calls to leave him out of the side for the better performing Bismarck du Plessis.
"Pressure's what makes the game beautiful and what creates some special performances," Smit said.
"Without those I don't think you ever quite reach the top of the game."