Look at Eluckmiss.
He loses to NZ at RWC2019…..but ends up playing overmatched Japan in QF and toothless Wales in the semi. But we are losing to Wales with 10 minutes left. He finally dumps Kolisi for Francois Louw who makes a crucial unscripted turnover which changes the game.
Then we get the Poms in the final, who have done us the huge favor of removing NZ who beat us in the pools. And then do us another favor of coming on believing they have already won the cup.
The 2019 WC was won without playing one team in the knockouts that was both able and committed.
So more mediocre years and on to WC 2023. Once again we lose in the pools to Ireland….but that pits Ireland against NZ in the QFs. And so once again we marched on to play France. The Frogs started brilliantly but then choked, still we were at risk, but Eluckmiss finally yanked the gutless Libbok and brought in Pollard who he never even selected. Pollard succeeds where Ramos failed and the Boks squeeze through.
Next we play the Poms who have been hopeless to that point. They actually get their act together, are in the lead with 10 minutes to play and Steward stupidly kicks a box kick which goes straight up and falls on their 10 meter line. A knock and Ox destroys their scrum and Pollard once again saves Eluckmiss’ bacon.
Then the ABs in the final they get red, we get yellow for a much more intentional tackle. But still they outgained us by 100 metres…..they have 60% of the possession….we have to make 209 tackles to their 92, showing us who was playing the rugby.
We tackled and we tackled but still it comes down to one point and Pollard, the man Eluckmiss didn’t want, who made all 4 kicks, while Barrett and Mo’unga both missed easier kicks.
Losses in the pools, kind opponents, one point wins, huge contributions from players who were only there because of injuries and no plan to use the ball.
Luckiest coach ever.