When winning isn’t enough
We learnt once again this week why the All Blacks are world sport’s best team. Their approach follows that old Japanese concept of kaizen, the constant process of improvement.
Take Mike Cron, the gnarly scrum coach who’s been teaching Kiwis how to demolish overseas packs for 33 years.
In this quest for constant improvement, he spent time with the Royal New Zealand Ballet to better understand the art of lifting — crucial at lineout time.
Throw in cage fighting, sumo wrestling and trips to some of the world’s most successful sporting franchises, and you start to get an insight into what keeps the All Blacks ahead of the pack.
You can criticise New Zealand Rugby for sticking with its old boys’ network — appointing too many former All Blacks as Super Rugby coaches.
You can accuse the All Blacks coaches of favouritism — loyalty first, form second.
You can rightfully accuse NZR of ignoring for far too long the influence of women in New Zealand’s No 1 sport.
But while the rest of the rugby world muddles along, with internal politics, general discontent, threats of legal action and a dour style of play, our sides continue to excel.
I had a couple of correspondents on my NewstalkZB weekend shows debating the likely appointment of Ian Foster as next head coach and wondering if the All Blacks and the organisation they represent need fresh blood.
Steve Tew has been NZR chief executive for 10 years. Steve Hansen and Cron have been in the environment since 2003.
But the All Blacks are a winning machine. Hansen could surpass the 95 per cent winning mark this year and our Super Rugby teams have gone to another level. All Blacks manager Darren Shand receives requests from coaches around the world beyond rugby wanting to tap into the All Blacks’ success. Some are granted access, some not. Make no mistake, NZR can be difficult to deal with. They don’t like misinformation or when the media doesn’t play by their rules.
Each week, I pitch story ideas to the people at NZR.
Often I’m laughed out of Wellington, but most of the time, my reasons for wanting to tell a story are accepted.
So next time you wonder if NZR have become stale, picture Mike Cron at the ballet — maybe in a tutu.