Watching the documentary on "super swarms" the other night proved inspirational, and I couldn't help but draw parallels between the natural and sporting worlds.
Wildebeests crossing rivers en masse are more likely to survive than zebras because they act collectively, while the more intelligent zebras work as individuals and perish.
Ants facing the prospect of a flooded nest work together to save their queen and pupae and form a floating ant-raft that saves the day.
Predators, tempted by the all-you-can-eat buffet directly in their path, are frustrated by the elusive swarm of tasty but unattainable treats.
Basically, super swarms are highly successful phenomena because they require creatures who may be small or at the bottom of the food chain to co-ordinate their movements and thoughts in order to beat the odds.
Time and time again, swarms prove that the collective mind is greater than the individual mind; that there is safety in numbers and unity; that we can all learn from collective experience; and that subtle synchronisation and communication can create unbelievable results and outcomes that benefit the whole.
Do super swarms exist in sport? The valiant effort by the All Whites in South Africa, I believe, is an example of what the collective mind and spirit is truly capable.
They came away from the World Cup with two goals, three draws and an improved ranking of 22 out of 32 competing nations.
Their swarming defence seemed to work superbly and their unity as a team was a refreshing change from the antics of individual superstars that tend to dominate football.
Elsewhere, although it was hard done by, having had a fair goal disallowed, England didn't deserve to go to the next round.
The English players didn't seem to be in sync with each other, making it easy for Germany to pick off four goals to one.
The extra-time defeat of the United States by Ghana, the hat trick of nail-biting wins by the New Zealand Maori team, the Magic win over the Steel, the gallant effort by the Samoans to beat Fiji and take the Pacific Cup, and the New Zealand Colts beating Australia convincingly are also examples of the triumphant collective spirit.
Most swarms function effectively because each individual is expected to do their bit for the benefit of the whole.
How will the one-man show known as SBW do in one of the most successful swarms in rugby? Canterbury is known for putting the collective before the individual, so how is the code-hopping, shadow-boxing, limelight-seeking Sonny Bill going to cope being just one of the boys?
The documentary on swarms didn't talk about what happens if one creature decides to do its own thing, but I'm sure it reduces the effectiveness of the group and has dire consequences for some in the swarm.
It will be interesting to see how he goes being a worker bee, or will the Canterbury/Crusaders administrators and coaching staff concede and let him be a queen bee instead?
Talking of queens, good luck to the New Zealand women's football team heading to the world under-20 championships in Germany next month. And all the best to the Black Ferns, who fly to England in August to defend their world champion status for a fourth time. May both teams find that balance between individual brilliance and team unity, so we can all collectively enjoy the glory.
