Woodward wants 'something special'

England boss Clive Woodward is determined to give his players every chance of achieving “something special” at the World Cup in Australia this autumn.

Woodward today paraded the 30 players chosen to challenge for global supremacy Down Under.

And when England leave their Surrey training base on an October 1 flight to Perth, they will depart as the best-prepared English squad in World Cup history.

Only fly-half contenders Charlie Hodgson and Alex King were shelved from Woodward’s selection plans because of injury, and such was the competition for places that three Lions – Austin Healey, Graham Rowntree and Simon Shaw – missed out.

It is against such a backdrop of immense strength in depth that England are viewed in many quarters as World Cup favourites.

“We accept that we are up there, probably alongside the All Blacks, but being favourites is nothing – it’s about winning,” Woodward said.

“Our job as coaches is clear. It’s to give this group of players every chance to do something special, and the real hard work starts now.

“It is about giving your players every chance to become the best side in the world, and it’s now up to all of us to try and capitalise on it.

“We are looking forward to the whole experience. We’ve got an outstanding group of players, and in terms of the selection, I am as convinced as I’ve ever been that we’ve got it right.”

Woodward today expanded on the reasoning for some of his choices, notably Martin Corry’s emergence following superb displays against World Cup warm-up opponents Wales and France (twice).

Corry’s sparkling form meant Woodward felt he could take six back-row forwards and also use the Leicester player as a fourth lock.

“Martin has taken his chances very, very well,” Woodward added. “I have got no doubt that he can play at the top level in the second-row and perform to the standard that we require.

“It was a straight decision between Martin Corry or Simon Shaw. Simon was devastated, and there was nothing more he could have done. He is an outstanding person to work with.”

With Leicester prop Rowntree omitted, England will take just four props to the World Cup, but hookers Mark Regan or Dorian West could deputise in the loosehead position if required.

Behind the scrum, Healey, Simpson-Daniel and Smith all failed to make Woodward’s final cut, and will now focus on Zurich Premiership action with their clubs when domestic competition kicks off next weekend.

“Austin did brilliantly well to get himself back in contention after his injuries, but I couldn’t find a place for him at the moment,” Woodward said.

“I have had a long chat with James Simpson-Daniel. I’ve got no doubt about him for the future, but I don’t think that he is quite back to being the player that he was a year ago.

“And we felt with Ollie Smith, that Stuart Abbott had the edge over both him and Jamie Noon. Abbott was one of the Premiership’s form centres last season, and I would have no issue with starting him in the World Cup.”

The England squad will now enjoy a week before re-assembling at their training base next Monday.

But even though the three-Test preparation programme has been completed, they can still expect some intensive training before heading Down Under.

“I am looking forward to the next three weeks,” added Woodward. “We can do some deep, detailed work and get really properly prepared.

“The amount of coaching in Australia will be at a minimum – all the heavy work will be done over here.”