Shaun Edwards, Gatland's new defensive assistant, said the denying England a second try, through Paul Sackey, was crucial.

BBC: Gatland pragmatic over debut win

As a former defender and defensive specialist as an assistant coach, Thompson finds watching players fail to clear the penalty box together especially infuriating.

WSJ: Comebacks in Final 20 Minutes Are United's Signature

And he can shore up, if necessary, any defensive deficiencies that have dogged him in the past by hiring an defensive guru as an assistant.

FORBES: Mike D'Antoni's Selection as Lakers Coach an Unpopular But Correct Choice Under the Circumstances

"I can't tell you how much of an emotional lift that gave the boys early doors, " said Wasps assistant coach Shaun Edwards, the brains behind another defensive masterclass to match the 2004 final win over Toulouse.

BBC: How Wasps tamed the Tigers

Defensive mastermind Edwards joined the Wales coaching staff as Gatland's assistant coach in the wake of a lukewarm approach from England.

BBC: Edwards keen to remain with Wales

This sudden surge in defense is a surprise, especially considering the Woodson had been an assistant with the Knicks all season and didn't exactly thrive as a defensive whiz for the first 42 games of the season while D'Antoni was coach, in which the Knicks went 18-24.

WSJ: The Knicks' Defensive Revolution