Former Ireland first-five and current Crusaders assistant coach Ronan O'Gara has spoken about the superiority of coaching in New Zealand, having helped the Christchurch franchise to a second straight Super Rugby title.
O'Gara, 41, joined the Crusaders at the beginning of 2018, with his impact quickly noticed by fans as first-five Richie Mo'unga's performances showed the impact of the 128-Test veteran's influence.
Speaking to The Telegraph, O'Gara was full of praise towards the impact New Zealand rugby has had on him as a coach.
"The positivity of rugby in New Zealand has rubbed off on me," he says.
"It has changed me massively. It is intense but fascinating. I had no idea of their way of coaching. I was of the model of telling players. They don't believe in that."
"Their mantra is, 'Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I will remember. Involve me and I will understand.'
"New Zealanders are humble and they practise skills, running, passing. Simple things to say but complex actions on the field. But the players there come in every day with this desire to get better, every day."
O'Gara also went on to confidently assert that the All Blacks could be beaten, however victory on a consistent basis against the defending world champions is another proposition entirely.
"Of course, the All Blacks can be beaten. But consistently beaten? I don't know about that, I don't think the natural talent is any better than what we have here."
"One thing you know, though, is that the All Blacks will perform. It is up to the other nations to perform, too."
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