But still the myths about his world cup success record will pervade. Yes, Japan got a notable win. Yes, England beat NZ in a semi. Not common- a 20 pc win rate vs them means victories are to be savoured- but they didn?t go on and win after a perfect campaign. I would not call getting thrashed in the eminently winnable final for which they were clear favourites a success. Woodward's damning comments during the week itself having been invited into camp pretty much indicate that it was a cock up waiting to happen.
Anything else? Oh yeah 2007. Eddie was a 'consultant'- one of 20 odd non coaching backroom staff whilst the boks fluked a world cup where their master stroke was to avoid all the good teams.
2003- one great semi win vs the second best team, and a final that, to be fair was closer than it should be- glossing over Watson's dire performance at scrum time.
So that is it. From 2003, a great win for Japan, two great semi wins, and a peripheral role in a winning team that he neither coached generally nor specifically. No trophy as head coach or indeed in any coaching role. At least he never had a 2015 England style debacle. Oh, wait, Quantas are on the phone about those plane tickets, something about a swap to an earlier flight. Only issue is it diverts at Fiji......