News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp
Rediff.com  » Sports » Woodward looks ahead to 'dream final'

Woodward looks ahead to 'dream final'

By Julian Linden in Sydney
November 16, 2003 22:16 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Triumphant England coach Clive Woodward described next week's rugby World Cup final against Australia as a dream match after his team defeated France 24-7 in Sunday's second semi-final.

Royal pleasure: Prince Harry celebrates the England win"If someone would have asked me six weeks ago what was my dream final, I would have said Australia versus England," Woodward said.

"We have won our last four matches against them, but that won't have any bearing on Saturday night.

"This is a one-off for both teams and it's going to be a great game."

Woodward paid tribute to his players for the way they efficiently beat off the French challenge in treacherous wind and rain that made ball-handling almost impossible.

France scored the only try of the match through winger Serge Betsen, but the reliable boots of flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson steered England to a thoroughly deserved win.

"Tonight we played the conditions and we played pretty well," Woodward said. "It's not about adapting the game plan [for rain]. A lot of the game is common sense. I am confident this team can beat anyone, anywhere, at any time, in any conditions."

England captain Martin Johnson, an imposing figure in the forward clashes as always, said his team had gone about their job ruthlessly and efficiently.

Rugby World Cup 2003 SFs


Wilkinson kicks England into the final

Australia stun All Blacks, enter final
"It doesn't matter if we won ugly, it's all about winning," Johnson said. "We would have liked to have scored a try, but, oh well, we are into the final. We have got the chance to play for the ultimate prize in the sport, so we have to keep our feet on the ground."

England have been the dominant team in world rugby for the past year, but came under fire for their scratchy performance in last weekend's quarter-final win over Wales, when they conceded three tries.

"We've been getting some stick this week, some of it undue, I think, but we came through," Johnson said.

"When you get to this stage of the tournament, [mental strength] is as big a factor as the physical side.

"You saw Australia. They ground down New Zealand. We were down 7-3 and we too had to grind out a win."

Wilkinson, in particular, came under fire for his performance against the Welsh, but answered his critics in the most emphatic way, booting five penalties and three drop goals to score all of his team's points.

More from the World Cup


Laporte refuses to blame conditions

Australia shut their critics up
"When I represent my country I am everyone's property and everyone is allowed their opinion," he said.

"It is satisfying, that's for sure. I have not read the papers since I have been here, so I have not been aware of any comments.

"I just try to please the rest of my teammates with my performances."

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Julian Linden in Sydney
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024