He was mentally drained after the 2011 World Cup and took time out to see how much he really hated not playing. The sabbatical, in various guises, was a critical factor in allowing Ma'a Nonu, Richie McCaw, Carter and Conrad Smith to make it to the 2015 World Cup. It's not exaggerating to say that New Zealand may not have won the 2015 World Cup had it not been for the introduction of sabbaticals. Victor MatfieldThe veteran South African lock retired after the 2011 World Cup aged 34, took up a media role and was also a lineout consultant for the Bulls. Smith's sabbatical at the end of 2013 was driven by much the same need, to mentally rather than physically refresh.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 09, 2016 06:28 UTC