Discipline the key to Australian victory
The danger posed by Jonny Wilkinson's kicking is clear, but Wallabies skipper George Gregan warned his side they will need to retain structure and concentration all over the pitch to test the world's number one side.
Against England in June, the Wallabies' line was breached three times and their pack famously sent reeling by a 40-metre rolling maul.
A moment of brilliance from Wendell Sailor, with the game lost, earned them a consolation try, but a repeat performance of that Melbourne display will herald another hiding.
"We must be disciplined," said Gregan yesterday after leading the side through their final run-out.
"But not just in terms of giving penalties away, it's in terms of everything we do. If we are disciplined in attack and defence we get a lot of confidence from that.
"Our team really relies on that. Discipline will go a long way to us finding our way [to victory] on the field."
Only six Australian players survive from that night, while England, have made just one change with Matt Dawson back as starting scrum-half in what is their strongest possible line-up.
Since losing to England, Australia again came second in the Tri-Nations and lost the Bledisloe Cup. They were written off as World Cup no-hopers by their own media; until everything clicked against New Zealand.
Could it be Australia's destiny to win even after such a difficult year?
"I don't believe in destiny, I believe in reality," said Gregan. "Sport brings you back to reality pretty quickly. I also believe in hard work and planning. And we've certainly done that. It gives you opportunities and sport provides opportunities and it's whether or not you take them.
"Whether or not you are good enough on the night and then fate, destiny, whatever you call it, falls into your hands."
One thing the difficult year has done for the squad is create a strength, a unity, a resolve that remains unbreakable.
It has also given the squad a taste of defeat. Handing over the Bledisloe Cup for the first time in five years was a particularly sour experience few want to repeat.
"Everyone in this team has experienced defeat and it's not a nice taste," he said.
"It's a World Cup final so if you weren't nervous you probably aren't from this planet. There is also excitement in the squad and the guys are really keen to get out there and play.
"Once you get down to the last four, the last two, you have done your preparation, you've put yourself in the position. It's just a matter of backing yourself and being confident.
"There is respect towards England, but confidence in each other that if we do the job on the night, the result will take care of itself."
Neither will they want for support, even if England's Barmy Army out-shout the Wallaby fans.
During a festive week that harked back to the 2002 Olympics, Australia has been transformed into a sea of gold as everyone heeded Prime Minister John Howard's urgings to back 'Gold Friday' as they prepare for the final.
"You feel responsible every time you wear the Wallaby jumper. You're representing each other as team-mates, your family and obviously your country," said Gregan.
"It's at a stage now where the whole country is right behind the team and we've been ecstatic with the support."
* The job of All Blacks head coach is up for grabs after NZRU chairman Jock Hobbs invited applications for the role.
John Mitchell's contract expires in December and though he has no intention of resigning after New Zealand finished a disappointing third at the World Cup, he will be forced to reapply for the job.
"All interested parties, including John Mitchell, are invited to make applications for the position," Hobbs said.
"The board believes that it is necessary to conduct an open and transparent process to ensure that the best possible candidate is appointed to this most important position.
"As an integral part of the process, a full review of the 2003 campaign, including the Rugby World Cup, will be undertaken including seeking feedback from representatives of all stakeholder groups."
One man thought to be in the frame is former Wales and Lions coach Graham Henry, who recently returned to New Zealand rugby by signing on with Auckland.
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