In a
previous post, I applied a principle from the successful
Outliers book to the
Rugby World Cup 2011 held recently in New Zealand. New Zealand were ultimately crowned champions of the world after a very close match against unlucky third time finalists
France.
In the post it was concluded that the team that would win the RWC 2011 would have been
Australia against France with Australia being victorius. Third and fourth place would have been played between New Zealand and
Ireland. In the end though it was not as clear cut and scientific. But the Outliers principle did 'predict' three out of the top four finalists.
Looking back at the RWC 2011 there were a number of instances whereby the results could have been radically different.
Wales played exceptionally well to have beaten Ireland in the quarters. Ireland themselves having caused a mini upset with their victory over Australia in the group stages. Wales were meant to come fifth according to Outliers.
Australia managed to get through to the semi's after a tough match against the
Springboks from South Africa. Although the argument could be said with the assistance of a sixtenth player in the form of the referee, it was just not to be for South Africa in 2011.
I think the raw emotion and determination to ensure they went to the final was the driving force behind New Zealand's convincing win over Australia in the semi-finals. The New Zealand team has been the best in the world for so many years and probably if you looked into it the players in the New Zealand side have probably all played over 10,000 hours of rugby another Outliers point.
Coming into the final match, at home New Zealand were always going to be the favourites. Applying the formula though France should have been the victors. In the French starting line-up 66% of the team were born in the first few months of the playing season.
New Zealnd had 40% of the team born in the first few months.
New Zealand managed to overcome a theoretical principle and become Outliers for the
IRB World Cup 2011. Well done New Zealand!
Image by Charles Heiman - iMedi8 Photographic via Flickr
