Woodward eyes World Cup pointer

England head coach Clive Woodward today warned his players their World Cup-winning aspirations will be on the line against New Zealand this weekend.

Woodward stressed the whole point of bringing a full squad on tour, to play the All Blacks tomorrow and Australia next weekend, is to ascertain just where England lie in the grand scheme of things.

He rates New Zealand as “probably the best side in the world”. But he insists his own players must not be written off and he backed them to take what he believes will be the required step up in performance.

“We were all delighted with what happened in Dublin and the Six Nations. But I think this team are a significant step above anything we played in the Six Nations,” Woodward said today.

“Everyone has got to step up. If we don’t we won’t win.

“That is why I was determined to come here. Winning the Grand Slam is fantastic. But if we are serious about (the World Cup in) October we have got to really front up and perform.

“We have to play better than we did in Ireland, because the opposition are significantly better.

“You have got to step up to it. That is why I came here with our strongest side – in order to make that step up.”

Much of the build-up to the Wellington Test has focused around the exciting New Zealand backs and plundering, “ruthless” England forwards.

But Woodward fired out a warning that his back line boasts as much promise as the All Blacks, who have included uncapped duo Joe Rokocoko on the wing and centre Ma’a Nonu.

“The whole of their back division poses a threat and the whole of their forward pack poses a threat,” said Woodward.

“(Defensive coach) Phil Larder has a very set pattern of play, and it’s working. We didn’t concede a try on Monday against the New Zealand Maori.

“They have got outstanding players all across the whole back division, but so have England. Very little has been written about the England back division, but it’s a big match-up.

“I am looking forward to seeing Jason Robinson, Ben Cohen and Co going head to head with these outstanding players.”

England travelled down under immediately after a long domestic season. But Woodward believes his players are fully committed to the cause and will enter the game fresh enough to give the All Blacks a real battle.

“I am delighted they have all decided they are going to come and give it their best shot,” said Woodward.

“They have had two weeks off now, which in our part of the world is a long time. They all look fresh and they are okay.

“The Test matches that we have been involved in are getting more physical. You will not survive out there unless you are in great physical condition.

“They know that after the last two Test matches the main players will play one game in three-and-a-half months.

“It is just a case of pulling on their final reserves, which is what they are going to do.

“I am delighted with the attitude that they all wanted to come here and find out exactly where we are against probably the best side in the world.”

England’s last victory in these parts came 30 years ago, but Woodward said: “I genuinely believe it is a 50-50 game.

“I think for the first time England have arrived here with a reasonably good side, as full strength as we can.

“We have got some world-class players in our team and have had a good last 12 months.

“They are an excellent team, and it is a good fixture for both teams.”

Woodward confirmed Andy Gomarsall, the back-up scrum-half who was the only injury concern, is fine after suffering a bruised calf and took part in a 50-minute training session.