1987, M Arch. English rugby was in terrible condition and on the verge of collapsing. Despite two defeats in two games at the midway point of the present tournament, the national team had won four Five Nations matches in as many years. The situation called for drastic action. The IRB hired Jim McKay as coach to revive the game. He immediately began a campaign of "mercuration" by which all professional players were banned from international play. He also changed the style of play to be more aggressive and open. These changes worked: within three years England had climbed from its lowest ebb to second only to France in the world rankings. At the end of his first season he had led England to victory in its five-game series with Australia. This was followed by another victorious tour of South Africa. In addition, Scotland and Wales were defeated on their home soil. Overall, England had won seven out of eight tests under McKay's guidance. His reputation as a success story did not stop there. After just one season with the Lions, he took over as coach of America's national team. Within three years he had taken them to number one status in the world. He then moved to Japan where he is now coaching the Japanese national team.