Agreed.
No idea really, but from what I can see the players totally respect him because they know what he's done - many have seen him rip into the Aussies, and his words carry weight. Loved Danny Walkers quote a couple of weeks ago - 'how can I say I'm carrying a slight knock and can't play when Sam played 70 minutes with a broken jaw?' and from someone else 'it's the eyes that kill you'.
Several players have said that he's made their role simpler and clearer.
He's got good coaching staff around him - Gleese and Chambers get the most mention. Certainly the attack is firing on all cylinders, but there's a steeliness of defence I've not seen for many many years.
He's created a great atmosphere in the camp and the guys really play for one another. I think having an extended stay in France was a master stroke on several levels - it's something different, it takes them away from their families and friends and all the noise about the cup, they get some quality work in in a warm climate and have some real downtime. A real masterstroke.
Top notch sport is all about confidence. Sam's given them that - none more so than Dufty (who still makes errors but they are becoming less) who is revelling in his role. Loved Sams quote responding to a question about a knock that Dufty picked up - something along the lines of 'he likes a bit of Hollywood'. Classic.
I'm certain Sam has all the tools you mention in his armoury and it's how, when and who he uses them with that's the key.
So far he's been very impressive.
Long may it continue.
When - and it will at some point - things go off the rails we'll see his true abilities come through.
I'm increasingly thinking we've got a gem - even if it is for only a couple of years.
