In the popular game show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,” contestants find themselves seated across from the host spotlight glaring as they are presented with a question and four possible answers.

The intense atmosphere, added to being scrutinised by the studio audience, can make even the most straightforward questions seem overwhelming. The mind, clouded by doubt, grapples for clarity amidst the pressure. The show offers a lifeline to contestants in these moments of uncertainty, allowing them to “Ask the Audience,” “Phone a Friend,” or “Ask the Host” for assistance.

Despite their knowledge, many contestants resort to using a lifeline for what feels like a simple questions, seeking external assurance for what they inherently know.

This phenomenon is not confined to the realm of game shows. During a critical moment in last week’s game between Ireland and South Africa, with South Africa awarded a penalty in the 46^th minute, referee Ben O’Keeffe turned to Siya Kolisi, the South African captain, and asked a seemingly obvious question, “Siya, what are you doing?” 

Despite the apparent simplicity, the question hung heavily in the air as O’Keeffe repeated, “Siya … Siya …?” Kolisi, fresh off the ground, his face glistening with sweat and heart racing, was thrust into a scenario reminiscent of the game show. Four options appear before him, each with its own risks and rewards. 

Should he;

The light from the box calls it

Amidst the noise of the baying crowd and the weight of the decision bearing down on him, Kolisi scans the field for insight, akin to “asking a friend” in the quiz show. His teammates, now all eyes on him, wait for a directive. Despite their anticipation, the lineout leader gestures down the touchline, suggesting a lineout as the best course of action. Kolisi’s gaze flickers back to the referee, who, with a tone of impatience, inquires once again, “Siya …?”

In this moment of turmoil, a sudden light pierces the uncertainty, reminiscent of the guidance sought in the game shows. This beacon, however, is not an abstract lifeline but an amber light emanating from the South African coaching box. Like a beacon in the darkness, Irishman Felix Jones holds up the light, a clear signal amidst the confusion. The commanding glow, coupled with the frantic gestures of South Africa’s director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, pointing resolutely at the posts, eliminates all ambiguity. The decision is made, not by a call to a friend or inquiry to the audience, but by the authoritative light from the coaching box.

With the decision now firmly out of his hands, Kolisi turns back to referee Ben O’Keeffe, his voice steady as he declares, “We’re having a shot.” As the words echo across the field, the kicking tee is promptly delivered, solidifying the choice. In this pivotal moment, the parallels between the world of game shows and the rugby field blur, uniting them in the universal narrative of decision-making under pressure, where external signals can pierce the fog of uncertainty.

In an unexpected turn of events at this World Cup, South Africa’s reliance on directives from the coaching box raises eyebrows and questions alike. While it’s common for teams to maintain communication with staff, medics, and “water carriers” on the field, the conspicuous light signals from the coaching box present an unorthodox method, hinting at a possible lack of confidence or autonomy among the players on the field. What seems to be happening within this team, laden with multiple World Cup-winning players and coaches, and led by a World Cup-winning captain from 2019?

Data highlights all the missed kicks

A closer examination of the data could have provided some clarity in the crucial decision-making moment. Over the last three Rugby World Cups, the success rate for kicks at goal from inside one’s own half, 50 plus metres, stood at a modest per cent. 

 A glance at their own team statistics would have disclosed that both South Africa’s kickers, Faf de Klerk and Manie Libbok, were kicking at a nearly equivalent rate of 37.5per cent for this World Cup, and just over 60 per cent for the last two years in international rugby. This information, readily available, could have guided Kolisi’s decision without the need for the glaring light from the coaching box.

Despite the accessible data and the players' innate understanding of their own capabilities, the decision to go for the goal from such a distance was not the most astute coaching decision. This choice was further highlighted when a similar scenario unfolded in the 65^th minute. With Kolisi off the pitch, South Africa missed two more kicks.

The conspicuous light from the coaching box, intended to guide and support, inadvertently underscores a potential disconnect or undermining of player authority and intuition on the field. This reliance on external direction, overriding player insight and experience, brings to the forefront questions about the balance between coaching intervention and player autonomy in high-stakes game situations.

 The missed kicks stand as a testament to the complexity of this balance, highlighting the crucial role of trust and confidence in the team's internal dynamics and decision-making prowess on the field.

Step forward Johnny Sexton: He leads, others follow

In a stark contrast to Kolisi’s experience stands Ireland's captain, Johnny Sexton. Sexton’s command on the field is evident, and he operates without the need for external directives. With 116 caps, the position of being the nation's leading points scorer, and the unspoken authority that this is HIS team, Sexton is the embodiment of confident leadership. 

His decisions are his own, cultivating a sense of assurance among his teammates who willingly follow his lead. His extensive experience lends him the confidence to make the critical calls that shape the game's trajectory.

In the game's opening minutes, Ireland are awarded a penalty. With a swift consultation with his lineout leader James Ryan, Sexton decisively kicks the ball down the touchline for a lineout just seven meters out from the South African line.

Despite the option to secure a three-point lead by opting for a kick at the posts, Sexton rolls the dice, taking a chance to push for a more substantial five, or seven point gain. This decision highlights his strategic foresight and willingness to take calculated risks for the team's advantage.

Another notable moment in the game showcases Sexton's exemplary leadership and tactical acumen. During a break in play in the 29th minute, Sexton approaches the referee with a pointed observation. He notes the importance of maintaining a free-flowing game but underscores that penalties for offside should be awarded where due.

In a moment reminiscent of a Jedi mind trick, Sexton persuades the referee to cease warning South Africa and start awarding penalties to Ireland if infringements are observed. This exchange bears fruit as Ireland is awarded the next four penalties, a testament to Sexton’s excellent captaincy and his ability to influence the game's flow while maintaining the respect and fairness of play.

Contrasting styles highlight narrative of leadership

Though Sexton has faced scrutiny regarding his management of referees in his time with Leinster and Ireland, this instance stands out as a demonstration of his seasoned leadership. His ability to effectively communicate with officials, ensuring a fair and just game while advocating for his team, highlights his role as a respected and strategic captain.

 His approach contrasts sharply with the light signals from the South African coaching box, emphasising the diverse strategies and leadership styles in the world of rugby and underlining the significant impact of a captain's decisions and interactions on the game's outcome.

The contrasting tales of Siya Kolisi and Johnny Sexton during the game unfold as a compelling narrative of leadership, decision-making, and strategic communication. Kolisi’s reliance on signals from the coaching box and a “PlayStation coach” highlights the potential pitfalls of over-dependence on external directives, which may inadvertently undermine players' confidence and autonomy on the field. 

It underscores the importance of empowering players to make crucial decisions, leveraging their on-field insights and experience which are paramount in the swift, dynamic flow of the game.

On the other side of the spectrum, Johnny Sexton’s confident and autonomous leadership illuminates the power of experienced decision-making and effective communication with officials. His ability to make quick, strategic decisions, coupled with his adeptness at ensuring fair play through dialogue with the referee underscores the profound impact of a captain’s role in shaping the game’s outcome.

This exploration into a single game's pivotal moments shines a spotlight on the intricate dance of decision-making in sports, a delicate balance of autonomy, control, and collaboration. 

It highlights the importance of trust, both in one’s own judgment and the team's collective wisdom, underscoring the crucial role of a supportive and empowering leadership style. The balance of authority, experience and mutual respect emerges as the linchpin of successful leadership. 

The Currency’s coverage of the Rugby World Cup is sponsored by Interpath Advisory.

Interpath Advisory supports businesses, their investors, and stakeholders with critical financial advisory and restructuring services.  Enhanced by technology, Interpath’s purpose is to create, defend, preserve, sustain, and grow value. Interpath in Ireland operates across 3 offices in Dublin, Cork, and Belfast.