New Zealand's surf lifesavers hope to steal the world title in Australian waters, with the help of an Australian coach.
Scott Bartlett is a former Australian swim squad member and Australian open surf teams champion who's confident his New Zealand team at the world surf lifesaving championships in Adelaide, which began on Wednesday, can overcome any home ground advantage for the hosts.
The New Zealand team features Devon Halligan, who was part of Australia's under 20s high performance squad until opting this year to compete for New Zealand, where her father Daryl is a former rugby league hero.
And her team also features four Olympians, including three swimmers who competed at this year's London Games while coached by Australians.
Australia have won every world lifesaving title since 1998, when New Zealand last triumphed.
Some 3500 lifesavers from 41 nations will compete in 42 events in the pool and open surf in Adelaide, but the overall title is considered a battle between Australia and New Zealand.
