When the Wallabies or the Australian and South African Super Rugby provinces sit down to their analytical work, they have at their disposal an imported system to scrutinise the statistics and video.
This is the high-tech age and the resource used is part of the modern coaching toolkit. It’s a way of trying to find that “organisation in the chaos”, as Ewen McKenzie wrote last month – a software package to identify strengths and weaknesses.
And it is, in part, the creation of Chiefs assistant coach and World Cup winner Wayne Smith.
Little mystery then, with Smith now working under respected head coach Dave Rennie, that the Chiefs are top of the table.
Inquiries to the company in question, Palmerston North-based Versuco Technologies, fleshed out Smith’s role in its formation.
In 1997, Smith and his Crusaders outfit were already trying to code their own stats, but could not match it to their video. Then, the input of a canny gentleman called George Serralach produced the Eureka moment – and the first version of the software used today.
Smith has long been reported to have the have the restless mind of an innovator. Journalist Mark Reason wrote an intriguing piece in February detailing his fascination with Moneyball, the book detailing how baseball statistics needed to be looked at in a new light, and how he used those principles to help the All Blacks win the World Cup.
Smith’s influence on the All Blacks is almost certainly a factor why Sonny Bill Williams has developed into a fine rugby player, as opposed to a league player in rugby. That road is not easy.
When Wendell Sailor arrived at breakdowns he carried the look of a man staring at a Magic Eye puzzle. Timana Tahu brought with him the tough front-on defence required in a game where the attack comes in straight lines, but was lost in the No.12 jersey when the Springboks thumped the Wallabies 53-8 in Johannesburg in 2008.
For a while, it looked like – having got their man – the All Blacks were a little uncertain what to do with Williams.
But in his first two touches for the Chiefs, against the Highlanders in round one, Williams showed what he has developed into.
First, he took the ball to the line, and arcing that long arm of his in the manner of an uncertain teenage suitor in a cinema, wrapped it around the tackler and popped the ball out to his support. Then, just two phases later, he had leapt to his feet to take the crash ball, using his power.
It says something about the respective codes that Williams left league with a reputation as a hitman but will return – if he does – with skill being his legacy in rugby.
League types with a lack of rugby nous imagined he might cross codes and simply monster the opposition. In truth, he wasn’t even the biggest or most explosive midfielder at the Crusaders last year. At All Blacks level Ma’a Nonu is harder to tackle, and internationally Jamie Roberts (Wales) and Manu Tuilagi (England) are heavier and go harder at the gainline.
But he has brought other attributes – such as a wonderful appreciation of space in the inside channels – and developed them alongside rugby-specific details.
That is not to say he shies away from confrontation. The reason we talk about him is that he seeks out duels on the paddock. In a team game it can be reckless but it is still thrilling.
He went after the Bulls’ Pierre Spies in Nelson and the Sharks’ Ryan Kankowski in London last year. He was lucky to avoid some time in the bin for his shoulder on Kankowski but the nature of those he chooses to confront reveals his desire to make a statement.
But he is now doing that in a much more productive manner, alongside Aaron Cruden – the form No.10 in the competition – and Richard Kahui. If the Chiefs can keep these three on the park and without injuries, Williams might get a chance to go one better than he did with the Crusaders last year.
Damien
Roar Guru
The World Cup hangover theory has merit in terms of the Ab's peaking but you're assuming that SBW is at his peak now. Whats to say that he doesn't get even better come Dec. Although on the same note he may drop off as well. Nonu hasn't been maligned anywhere near how much SBW has. The vast majority of Nonu haters are just Kiwi rugby fans. The SBW haters are Kiwi & Australian rugby, rugby league and boxing fans. Just note that I didn't mean ALL of those sports fans hated Nonu or SBW, just thats basically what their profiles are. The Roosters rumor is only one of so many surrounding SBW's contract so its no point basing AB selection around it. Hansen has to take all this into account I suppose when he names his squad (the form and contract issues that is). It'll be interesting to see which way he goes.
drama city
Guest
Gilrocky So how come rugby union s the fastest growing sport in the world and the rugby league world cup in 2013 will be the greatest failure of any professional sport?
GilRocky
Roar Rookie
SBW is wasted in Union. Your game is a joke. Boring and living off the remnants of tradition and an outdated class system.
Sprigs
Guest
SBW is good all right., and that is a good thing for the Chiefs because it will keep the opposition from concentrating solely on Andrew Horrell. Judging only by the last game, Horrell can step through what seems to be a solid wall of defenders.
drama city
Guest
Talking of Sonny Bill Williams and Sevens I wonder if Khoder Nasser has caught up with the announcement published on NFL Network News 1 April. I'm sure Sonny Bill would like to conquer another sporting frontier and the US sports market is as big as they get. 'LOS ANGELES -- Grand Prix Entertainment, a Los Angeles-based sports and entertainment enterprise, announced Thursday it has named NFL Network as its exclusive U.S. broadcast partner for Grand Prix’s July 2013 professional rugby sevens championships in partnership with USA Rugby. “On the heels of our recent announcements extending our exclusive partnership with USA Rugby through 2018 and then moving to secure AEG Facility’s Home Depot Center as our venue partner, the important task of selecting the right U.S. broadcast partner was a key strategic priority and we could not be more pleased with the relationship we have formed with NFL Network,” said Grand Prix Sports Chairman Alan Rothenberg. “NFL Network is excited to work with Grand Prix Rugby to bring our fans professional rugby sevens championships featuring the top teams and players in the world,” said Mark Quenzel, Senior Vice President of Programming and Production for NFL Network. USA Rugby, an official member of the United States Olympic Committee as well as the Rugby World Cup's International Rugby Board, had previously awarded Grand Prix the exclusive rights to own, operate and globally broadcast the professional sport of Rugby Sevens, which was soon after named a new Olympic sport. William Tatham, Chairman of Grand Prix Entertainment, said of the announcement, “From day one NFL Network was our preferred network partner. We are excited NFL Network supports our vision for the sport of Rugby, which just so happens to be the ‘Father of American Football.’” Nigel Melville, CEO of USA Rugby, was equally enthusiastic, saying, “When I came to the U.S. five years ago I believed Rugby could become a major U.S. professional sport. Olympic inclusion and now a broadcast partner in NFL Network takes USA Rugby and our partners at Grand Prix all that much closer to the dream.” GPE executive board member Neal Pilson, former president of CBS Sports who negotiated the carriage agreement, said, "NFL Network's live coverage of the Grand Prix Rugby Championship events will exceed any prior exposure of rugby on US television."
stillmatic1
Guest
i enjoy him a lot as a player, just dont get caught up in the hyperbole, thats all. i scream and cheer like most of his fans whilst in game mode, but this doesnt mean i lose perspective of his ability or what he does or doesnt do on the field. im not really a traditionalist, but i find the chopping and changing not particularly beneficial on any level to a players future or legacy. we cant claim that he doesnt want to be known when a lot of his aura is media created, or manager created. sport, just like any business, requires stability to succeed, and one would hope that we start to tire of the constant team swappaing of certain individuals. not so much a dig at SBW, i suppose my gripe would be with the acceptance we all have for it. is it possible that we have too many great athletes to admire, and thats why we see SBW for what he is, a great athlete with a lot to learn? cant wait for him to play the reds at suncorp this year though, cant deny his drawing power, or is it that i just want to see the reds lose again?
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Yep, you're very right "Aussies and Kiwis tend to have strong views either way about him". SBW has been so much in the media for the last 6-7 years that everyone has voiced their opinion about the guy, the fact that he left the dogs, the tatts, the abs etc... We just can't see him objectively i think. Non aussie/kiwis though really see him as an outstanding player as you mention your SA example. When he arrived at Toulon, a club (in)famous for signing over-rated stars, fans didnt know his story or his background as an NRL player and judged him solely on performance. And they loved what they saw straight away. So much than when he left, their president Boudjellal hired Mason as a potential new SBW at inside centre. Wrong call this time!
Hoy
Roar Guru
Rogers played with the Titans in 2007, when Larkham was still playing 5/8. He wanted to play 5/8, and couldn't with Larkham there, so he took his ball and went home. That was prior to Deans. Roger's last coach would have been Connolly, who was only there briefly from 2006 onwards to take the Wallabies to the world cup in 2007.
drama city
Guest
I've read in the South African press that SBW has signed to play in a Sevens tournament in South Africa in December (along with Quade Cooper). It will be a short re-learning curve then if he starts with the Roosters in the NRL in January 2013.
drama city
Guest
I've read in the South African press that SBW has signed to play in a Sevens tournament in South Africa in December (along with Quade Cooper). It will be a short re-learning curve then if he starts with the Roosters in the NRL in January 2013.
TembaVJ
Guest
The spot light is helping the paycheck chaser look better then he really is. Some people just get caught up in the media hype and develop a man crush.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
mania Robinson three years early had done a winter season at Bath.
AussieKiwi
Guest
It's interesting that there are so many divergent views about SBW. I confess I am a fan. Obviously his skill set is still developing. He already brings so much to the game, in skills and attitude, and is a relatively modest and personable character by all accounts. I remind those who suggest he is in it for the money that he gave up a lot of francs (or is it Euros) for the chance of being an AB. Because of his chequered history in both countries, Aussies and Kiwis tend to have strong views either way about him. I surf the South African sites and it is interesting that there, he is much talked about and regarded as one of the biggest threats, whether as an AB or for the Chiefs. His contribution for the Crusaders against SA teams last season is still talked about. To me that says a fair bit about his worth.
Stevie
Guest
Totally agree Robbo yes he is a talented player but there are plenty of talented players that are as good or better than him running around in both codes. Neither sport would miss him if he left. The only reason is has a big profile is because of his controversy. If he did not switch codes without telling anyone, change teams every year or box bums he would just be another player.
Bernard
Guest
SBW he a good player but the way the Chiefs are going that team work and it how the team get on together and by getting a good 5'8 in Aron it was a good move and hire wayne Smith too and dave rennie working together was a good job too and to see the boys play so well this year is very good and good luck on the guys but i have to say it not SBW that is playing well it the whole team that is playing well not one player it a team that win the games and goes on to winner the super rugby cup and that what i see it not one play it the whole team. GOOD LUCK BOYS GO "the CHIEFS
Robbo
Guest
Does anyone knowing where this guy is going next year. I have heard he is going to the NRL, then there were rumours he was going to Sth Africa. I have followed both rugby codes for over 25 years and this guy is easily the most overrated player in both codes.
mania
Guest
stillmatic1 - this is admirable and show of your honour and how you look at your self worth. but these are your measures stillmatic1. not every one shares these values. his true potential? in which sport in particular? league, rugby, boxing? your making the mistake setting up SBW as a role model and expecting him to be into being a good role model. SBW is just trying to do some stuff and make some money while he's at it. he enjoys competing but lets not think that makes him a good figure person for our children. i've met alfie, he was cool to speak to. i imagine if you asked alfie what was more important, getting the dallyM, winning stateOfOrigin, Kangaroo honours vs the birth of his children i doubt his league career would even register. its usually us that dont reach these heights that put more value into it than those that actually achieve them.
stillmatic1
Guest
khodder is really looking after his short term worth. there is only so much rugby clubs will pay for an SBW, and potentially (apart from heading back to europe/japan) that is close to being maximised. so then what? cramming or maximising market worth into a small time frame is surely hurting SBWs long term ability to compound his supposed market worth. he seems to be quite a shy type of person, so what to do after rugby? media would seem to be out on that basis, so again, what does the guy hang his hat on for the next 20 years? we all would like to say we provided for our families first and foremost, but what legacy do we leave? what to be said of potential if it is not maximised? SBW's market value may be maximised at this point, but will he be remembered in the same vein as jonah lomu for instance (who it could be argued never reached his full potential, but we know why). the legacy of sport is what draws us to it. the fact that there can be the little alfie langers of this world who compete against the best and fulfill their potential and the supreme athletes like SBW, who flit around and dont. both end up being rich and secure the families future, but (size aside, sorry alf) id rather be the player that gets remembered for maximising my potential, than having a lot of it and doing nothing. truth be told, i enjoy watching SBW play, and he has a strong skill set, but it saddens me as a fan of rugby to see his true potential not realised because of something as incongruous as money. and remember we arent talking about the difference between earning 30 thousand or 50 thousand per year, its in the hundreds of thousands, so i think SBW will be ok, if he sticks with something for a while, dont you!?
mania
Guest
stillmatic1 - well lets agree to disagree. SBW was a beacon for his team mates. even coming back from injury he could inspire his team to get up and keep on keeping on. he'd turn games around and his offloads were amazing. league is a simpler game though. cant say i blame SBW for his chopping and changing. i reckon in these cases its khodder pulling the strings and though u may not like khodder, as manager he is maximising SBW's market worth. whatever legacy SBW leaves behind or achievements he makes by the end of his career he'll be rich. in 20 years time i'd like to look back and say i've provided for my family.
Brett McKay
Expert
I did see your comment yesterday actually - for what it's worth, I do get the 'currently being moderated' message from time to time..