Woodward still defiant despite flaws exposed in Welsh scare

England 28 Wales 17

“I believe that we will beat France,” said Woodward, following his team’s monumental quarter-final struggle against Wales.

England were indebted to 23 points from fly-half Jonny Wilkinson’s left boot after Wales outscored them 3-1 on tries.

“We are disappointed how we played, but it’s far nicer to be flying to Sydney than flying back home to London,” Woodward said.

“We are not playing well, but we are winning these games through sheer bloody-mindedness. If we play like we did today, then we’ve got no chance, but I don’t think for one moment this team will play like this again.

Clearly now, France are red-hot favourites for next weekend’s game, but France also know which team is coming down to play them, and we are looking forward to that game.”

Woodward paid tribute to Wales, who stunned England for long spells through their attacking adventure that ultimately yielded tries for fly-half Stephen Jones, skipper Colin Charvis and substitute flanker Martyn Williams.

England’s performance level grew once Woodward sent on Mike Catt for the second period, and it will be difficult for him to leave out the Bath back against France.

While England look for the answers to their problems, Wales must head home after gaining no reward for two of the most inspirational performances they have produced in decades.

Seven days ago, they led New Zealand at the 60-minute mark and though few thought they were capable of repeating the feat tonight, Charvis and his side probably improved on it.

“Every coach wants to win and when you get as close as we did tonight and don’t manage it, it is gut-wrenching,” said Wales coach Steve Hansen.

“When we reflect back, everyone involved can be proud of what they have achieved.

“We have asked the team to stand up against England and New Zealand within a seven day period and they have responded magnificently.”

While Hansen refused to write off England’s chances of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup, he added: “I have always had a question mark about the way England defend,” he said. “I feel if you get behind their umbrella defence we could move the ball wide, create a big threat to their forwards and run them around the park.

“The way their forwards play they do not have to do too much running, they stay where they are and the ball is brought back to them.

“It has been a successful tactic of theirs for some time and it was pretty obvious they were going to use it.

“We wanted to ask question marks over their fitness and their ability to get around the field.

“We did well but you have to give Clive Woodward credit for bringing Mike Catt on. After that they started to run the ball and find some space for their kicking game.”

*Austin Healey has flown to Australia as World Cup injury cover. England have summoned the 51 times capped Leicester back following injuries to Josh Lewsey and Iain Balshaw.

“I must stress that he will not be joining us as a squad member, which would be subject to Rugby World Cup approval,” said Woodward. “We will continue to monitor the fitness of Josh and Iain over the next 24 hours.”

ENGLAND: Robinson, Luger, Greenwood, Tindall, Cohen, Wilkinson, Dawson, Leonard, Thompson, Vickery, Johnson, Kay, Moody, Back, Dallaglio. Replacements: Catt for Luger (40), Abbott for Greenwood (55), Bracken for Dawson (68), Woodman for Leonard (46).

WALES: G. Thomas, M. Jones, Taylor, Harris, S. Williams, S. Jones, Cooper, I. Thomas, McBryde, A. Jones, Cockbain, Sidoli, D. Jones, Charvis, J. Thomas. Replacements: Peel for Cooper (64), Davies for McBryde (64), Jenkins for A. Jones (27), Llewellyn for Cockbain (45), M. Williams for J. Thomas (58).

Att: 51,500.

Ref: Alain Rolland (Ireland).