Since he took over the position, nearly two years ago, Rixon has restructured the philosophies and the thought patterns of New Zealand cricket.
``You have to be a performed player to play for your country. In the past there has been too many players who have just gone on a level parallel without ever having to do a real lot to maintain their positions in the team,'' said Rixon.
``Presently there aren't too many in the side who can stand up and say 'that is my position, you can't possibly have it'. At the moment we've got a smaller pool than other countries to pick from, but at the same time I am prepared for youth,'' he said.
``I have indicated that with the introduction of the Vettoris, the O'Connors, the McMillans and the Hornes there has obviously been a turnaround, for there is no place for players like Danny Morrison, Lee Germon, Mark Greatbatch, Dipak Patel.
``I can see the results of those changes slowly falling into place now as a team unit and, as a group of cricketers. This team is going to be a very, very good cricket side,'' predicted Rixon.
``I probably mark the World Cup in England next year as the ultimate time that we should be at our best. The Sri Lankan tour is another stepping stone towards getting to that ultimate goal,'' said the Australian-born coach.
``We got to start winning some tournaments away from home. The World Cup is the big picture. The small picture right now and the only one I want the players to focus on is their performance in Sri Lanka, under the present conditions and the sort of bowling they come up against,'' Rixon said.
Since his arrival there has been a marked change in attitude by the players.
``They have been very happy with the overall change. They like the way we play the game. They get on better than probably they ever got on as a team. and there is a lot of individual respect and enjoyment with each other. The environment is conducive to very successful results in the long run,'' said Rixon.
The former Australian Test wicket-keeper has also introduced a little bit of Australian arrogance into the New Zealand team.
``Aggression is something I was very keen to adopt the New Zealand way. I see that coming through nicely. The guys in the past may have backed off from a confrontation, but today they take it on front-up,'' said Rixon.
``I think that's why even though our results weren't outstanding in Australia, it was a great learning course for us. A lot of young players grew up through that, and understand that a work ethic has to be implemented, that is more than they have been used to in the past. The development from there is good enough. We saw that in the demolition of Zimbabwe. We actually wiped them out,'' said Rixon, whom most cricket experts feel is really up there with successful coaches like England's Bob Woolmer with South Africa and Australia's Dav Whatmore with Sri Lanka.