Excellent article from Tom Fordyce looking at the place of rugby in NZ culture, and how they train their kids up across the age groups.
Why are New Zealand so good at rugby?
Tom Fordyce
BBC Sport
21/10/2011
Since the start of Test rugby, the All Blacks have a win percentage of almost 75%. No-one else gets close. Not South Africa at 62%, nor France at 55%. Certainly not England, Australia or Wales with 53%, 52% and 51% respectively. Since Graham Henry took charge of the national team in 2004, New Zealand’s win percentage has climbed to a staggering 85%. How has one small nation dominated the sport for so long? What makes New Zealanders so good at rugby?
Slower Ball 