Ben Darwin's theory of sport evolution: familiarity breeds success | Robert Kitson


Analysis by the ex-Wallaby’s company shows the benefits of long-term team stability and could transform our view of sport

In the leadup to the Premiership final on Saturday, here is an intriguing theory for you. A champion team is not, apparently, defined by brilliant coaching, charismatic leadership, massive biceps or even individual talent. In fact it is primarily dependant on none of those things. Success, instead, hinges on something very different: the level of familiarity between the players and how long all the various ingredients have been collectively simmering.

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