You learn more from a loss than any win. That is true for any sporting side, and the Otago Boys' High School First XV is no exception.
The side lost to St Bede's College in the South Island top four match last year, its only defeat in the past two seasons.
This year, Otago Boys' has won 21 from 21, and heads into the Highlanders First XV competition final on Saturday against Waitaki Boys' High School as a firm favourite.
"We learned a lot from that game. Just what is expected at that level and how you have to be physical and strong to compete," Martin said.
Otago Boys' has swept all before it this year, including winning all six interschools and regaining the South Island supremacy shield, last held by the school in 2002.
The season started with a trip to Samoa in the Easter school holidays, where the team faced some brutal opposition.
"We wanted to replicate the physicality we found in that St Bede's game. We played some men's teams over there to find that.
"One team had two former Manu Samoa players in it. We played on fields that were covered in rocks and coral.
Coming back here, anything put in front of us we know we can handle after those games ... that trip set up our season."
Martin has built a culture and work ethic which has fashioned success.
"Last year, we made some changes to try and go back to the way the team was run when I was playing, bringing back some traditions and special things which are unique to the side."
These included having a caricature of every player above his hook in the changing room.
Every player must come to a game in tidy uniform and not be late for training.
"Last year, we put the ground work in and had a motto of bringing back the respect for the blue and white hoops. Now it is about bringing back the fear of the blue and white hoops. We used to be feared and that is what we want.
"These guys have a huge training ethic. They just go for it at training. Sometimes I have to pull them back from training so hard. You hear from so many people how we aren't learning anything from winning by huge scores all the time. But the toughest stuff we do is at training. These guys beat each other up at training.
"These guys would want to train every day. I have to make sure they take days off. But everything we do is highly competitive."
Training is three nights a week, while there are individual weight programmes. Players also receive nutrition advice.
"It is about being sensible, though. Obviously, some boys are on budgets so that decides what they eat."
Martin (32) is in his second year in charge of the side, which he coaches on his own, although he may bring in a specialist coach from time to time.
He played in the First XV for three years when he boarded at the school from 1995-98.
In the last year at school, the First XV drew 5-5 with Rotorua Boys' High School in the final of the national top-four competition. Martin was the skipper. Richie McCaw scored the try for Otago Boys' and Craig Newby scored for Rotorua in the final. Those top-four ambitions remain within Martin.
Martin, a halfback, played 75 premier games for Alhambra-Union before picking up primary teaching jobs in South Auckland, Balclutha and Outram. He also played five seasons for Pirates.
"Coaching primary school kids really helped me in what I'm doing now. Seeing what works for a kid at that young age makes me in my job now. You can make mistakes with them and that helps you learn as a coach."
Martin, a teacher at the school, admits he is now in his dream job, and is already looking forward to next year.
This year, 13 players returned to the First XV and up to a dozen could be back next year.
"We have got really huge depth in the school now. We have the most registered rugby players at the school for the past five years."
The school fields 13 rugby teams, coached by teachers, parents and former pupils.
That depth feeds into competition for places in the First XV.
But is it fun?
Many scoff, saying it is just all too serious.
After all, this is schoolboy rugby. They are just kids.
Martin, of course, does not agree. What he is doing is what goes on at top secondary school sides right across the country and has been going on for a long time at some schools.
"These guys love it. The biggest problem I have is holding these guys back. The biggest motivation for these guys and wanting to win is they don't want the season to end. If they do, then they won't be able to put the jersey on again."
Otago Boys' rugby
Record in 2012
• Played 21, won 21.
• Points for 1294, points against 118.
• Scored 176 tries, conceded eight.
• Leading scorer: Aleki Morris, 160 points.
• Leading try-scorer: Aleki Morris, 32 tries.
