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When I first became a coach it was at A Grade level, then two seasons later I coached at the senior level.
When I first met the players before the first training session, I cancelled the session and took them to the club rooms.
I asked each player in front of the others about what their goals in the game were, three said enjoyment while the rest replied about representing their province.
I said as their coach I am here to help them reach their goals, but the most important factor was playing for enjoyment both individually and as a team.
We had not won the competition for three seasons, but in the first and second season we won beating both Waimea Old Boys and Nelson Old Boys in the final over the two seasons.
The players had belief, they played with such enjoyment and were a very close nit group.
Was I an elite coach? Of course not. But I brought in much-needed foundations and understood each player, and there was respect with all parties.
I had the privilege of being invited into the Crusaders change room after they had beaten the Golden Cheetahs, and Wayne Smith had each player give their own opinion about the game. I was impressed with how the players related to him and vice versa, there was a genuine connection which had me smiling.
I have seen this happen in the International arena, where players react to the right coach who understands them and has a clear direction going forward.
Bob Dwyer for Australia had the gift to unite and bring the Wallaby players together as a tight group. He knew how to bring the best out of individuals which transcended into the team by them becoming a Rugby World Cup winning side. Players would become some of the greats of the game while expressing themselves.
South Africa before the 1995 RWC were written off because of some average results, plus losing to Australia which piled more pressure on. Then come the RWC and they united a country through the Tournament, then they beat the strong favourites New Zealand in the final.
That was a special time to witness the joy and see a country come together under the eyes of the great man Nelson Mandela.
Nelson Mandela (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/EMPICS via Getty Images)
We saw a dominant New Zealand team before and during a winning 2015 season including the big one, the RWC, when Steve Hansen coached them to huge success. He has the best record of any coach internationally.
But there was a certain coach that had to bring a team of players together after losing to France in the 2007 Tournament after being again the strong favourites.
Graham Henry when many wanted him out stood up and brought the belief back, and they won in 2007.
We have South Africa again, but this time Rassie Erasmus came in after a disastrous couple of seasons. Within a year he transformed an ailing side with players lacking confidence into winning the 2019 RWC, which is truly a great feat.
These to me are elite coaches bringing unity, trust, strength and respect to individuals and while understanding the history and identity of the jersey to the loyal supporters.
There have been other very good coaches whether at Super Rugby level or International, but are they of the elite standard?
One prime example of an elite coach at Super Rugby level is Scott Robertson, and not just because of the successes but also because of the enjoyment he brings to the players.
It would be great to hear from my fellow Roarers about your choice of an elite coach, as well as what makes an elite coach.
And go well to all the Southern Hemisphere teams this weekend in the Women’s World Cup.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.