The New Zealand Men’s 40s touch team brought home gold from the Touch World Cup, a victory that stands as a testament to their belief, resilience, and powerful team culture. Under the guidance of coach Luke Chapman, the team faced numerous challenges, yet emerged victorious through a combination of strategy, trust, and a commitment to their shared values.

Key Factors in Success: Belief and Trust

When asked about the key factors that led to the team’s success in this tournament, Luke emphasised one word: belief. “Belief and trust - in the vision, the strategy, each other, and themselves. An openness to learning and being comfortable in uncomfortable situations. A growth mindset.” This philosophy and belief extended to whanau and friends who supported and encouraged the Kaupapa throughout and was the cornerstone of their preparation and performance, allowing the team to navigate the pressures of international competition with confidence and adaptability.

Overcoming Adversity: Injuries and Adaptation

The path to gold was far from easy. The team faced significant adversity with two major injuries, one occurring during the first training session before the opening ceremony, and the second in their third game against Wales. These injuries involved two of the team’s most experienced and key players, Anaru Bartlett and Mikey Davis. Yet, the team’s belief and trust in each other allowed them to adjust and adapt, always focusing on what was in the best interest of the team. This ability to rally and shift their strategy without losing momentum was crucial to their success.

Crucial Moments in the Final Match

The final match was filled with standout moments that were pivotal to securing the gold medal. Luke highlighted several key plays: “Marrin Haggie’s chase down, Blair Haeata’s commitment to line defence, Nick Kodomichalos’ consistent work rate, and Michael Rawiri’s ability to seize opportunities and own them.” He added, “We probably won the moments we needed to at crucial times. You win enough moments, you’ll be in a strong position to get the desired outcome.” These moments of individual brilliance, combined with a collective focus, put the team in a winning position.

The Power of Team Culture

A defining element of the New Zealand Men’s 40s success was their strong team culture, built on core values: Integrity

• Manaaki,
• Aroha,
• Kotahitanga
• and Enjoyment.

These values were the foundation of everything the team did, developed by the players themselves under the theme of "Believe," inspired by Ted Lasso’s principles and coaching techniques. The ethos of "Team 1st" ensured that the team always came before individual ego, both on and off the field, keeping everyone grounded and focused on the collective goal.

For younger players looking up to the Men’s 40s team as an example of success, Luke offers simple yet profound advice: “Believe in yourself, your teammates, and your staff. If you don’t know the answer, humble yourself and seek knowledge from those that do. Sometimes, a different voice is all you need.” He specifically mentioned the invaluable insights from Hutchy Hutchison and George D'Urban Burgess, who provided great perspectives throughout the campaign and Micheal Cavanagh’s insights and invaluable experience/knowledge leading into and at the event.

The Half-Time Pep Talk

And lastly, what did Luke say at halftime that inspired the team to victory? His message was clear and composed: “Just believe. We’ve already prepped for these moments. Trust yourself and the game plan. ‘Get back to the blue’ - calm and composed. Lastly, enjoy it. Look at your teammates in the huddle and smile… trust me, we got this.”

With belief, trust, and a smile, the New Zealand Men’s 40s team captured gold, a moment that will be remembered as a shining example of what can be achieved through unity, resilience, and unwavering faith in each other.