Why is New Zealand so successful at rugby? Can it be translated into other sports?
Edmond Otis, of the Eastern Institute of Technology, presented a psychological take on the issue yesterday at the Otago Polytechnic's High Performance Sport Symposium.
Otis, who formerly competed in and coached karate in the United States, said New Zealand's smaller pool of talent influenced its mindset in making it to the top.
With a limited pool of high-level athletes, it was important to get the most out of everyone. Coaches tried to develop individuals as much as possible, while athletes recognised the value of each other.
That created a supportive environment which was particularly beneficial in a team sport.
That was in contrast to his American experience, where the larger population base and talent pool made making it to the top a process of ''killing off'' others, including potential team-mates.
It was not the only factor involved, as technical, tactical, physical, nutritional and mental components all had a large influence, too.
However, the need for everyone to understand the value of themselves and others to the team was important and something New Zealanders did well.
That was key when it came to crunch situations. It could lead to having the trust to rely on the decision-making of a leader, or knowing who could make a difference in a given situation.
New Zealand's ability to combine this with the other components made it a quality rugby nation.
Otis' findings came from the report How New Zealand rugby stays at the top: Considerations for coaches, which he researched and wrote alongside Peter Russell and Roberta Cox.
He said a by-product of this mentality was New Zealand producing many top coaches who often left to work overseas.
By being used to making the most of the available talent, rather than just choosing the cream of a large group, Kiwi coaches knew how to get the best out of athletes.
