MOMENTS for reflection are hard to find in the hurly-burly of a sporting season.

When I was ensconced in the cardiac ward of St Vincent's Hospital this week (for kidney stone surgery), the moments were not lost. The day before I had battled through the various meetings that you have when your team is not training.

The momentum required to set up a Super 14 preparation does not offer you time to get outside your immediate opponent. It does not even offer you much time to monitor your own health.

Looking out the 10th floor window, I realised I was looking directly at the Sydney Football Stadium. So close but so far away. Much has been said about my coaching tenure and the speculation will continue. Semi-finals in 2008 would seem to be the minimum standard, and it's a target I'm happy to accept.

The reality for me is that every year for the past four I have set the semis as a minimum. Having got there two out of four years, I feel confident enough to at least recognise the target and the tough calls required to get there.

My hospital bed did not release me from the habit of preparation. Texting messages to my assistant coaches before a 7.30am meeting made me feel good, although I already knew they'd adapt and have matters in hand. Training was at 11am and I looked out the window knowing what was happening over the hill.

Confidence breeds enthusiasm, and the potential for an upward spiral is there as the team is physically and mentally strong. Hospital has become frustrating, though.

Among my moments of reflection are ones of reality. I am constantly surrounded by debate about style of play, how we choose to use players, etc. I read newspapers and therefore understand how they can influence perceptions.

The Waratahs understand how we are going to play this season. Winning fixes most things so we are not going to get precious on method, except to say that we will play different teams in different ways.

Strategy incorporates an evaluation of your capabilities and your opponents. When we restricted the Hurricanes to just three points last week, after they'd averaged 35 a game during their three trials, our strategy looked right.

It was rather ironic last week when some media criticised our approach of using forwards to gain dominance, when those same sections lament our inability to achieve the same at the national level.

It concerns me that there is an expectation of rugby "completeness" for our professional players yet much of the commentary revolves about how often the winger touches the ball. Rugby stalwart David Brockhoff preaches to me often and he talks about "winning rugby".

It was actually pleasing last week that there was balance in our play; one forwards try and two by Lachlan Turner. We have lots of room to grow, and we will.

It is worth considering next time you read about the game who is actually writing - and for what purpose. The Sydney writing "pack" consists of half a dozen journos who write rugby stories every day for 10 months of the year.

This is hard to do, and these guys actually do a good job. Attending training on most days, chasing leads, quotes and photos is not as simple as it seems. It's an interesting sporting dynamic that when things are bad this number quickly swells - and then you are dealing with part-timers who do not have the benefit of knowledge.

When you see them you know someone has decided to stir the pot. Life is really about respect. The pack doesn't always print what I like, but they are there every day, so have my respect. They are the writers to give attention, not part-timers.

In the meantime, doctor, do your best - the morphine is wearing off.