The top sides in world rugby sevens now train together all months of the year at a central training base, while New Zealand players only come together for specified training camps.
The top sides in world rugby sevens now train together all months of the year at a central training base, while New Zealand players only come together for specified training camps.
That plan of action isn't working, and money must be spent to bring the squads together and return New Zealand to the top of the sevens world.
Kiwi players train in their provinces in small training groups, before joining the whole squad in camp ahead of a major tournament.
It's happened in the men's and women's games, and probably cost New Zealand a gold medal. By Friday, it could be two.
Australia's women have been based at the Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen since early 2014, training together week in, week out.
The result is a team which has steadily improved in the past two years and quickly overtook New Zealand, who previously set the international standard.
Since February 2015, Australia have defeated New Zealand at every opportunity in the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series, and now in the Rio Olympic gold medal match.
They look a complete side. They make fewer mistakes than New Zealand and look to have a better understanding of what they want to achieve.
Everything they do is polished, something that comes from spending everyday in training with each other throughout the year.
New Zealand players sub in and out of team camps. They're a brilliant side, no doubt, but are missing the edge they would have if they spent more time together. It's the edge Australia now have.
