Greenwood: England now confident

Will Greenwood believes that England are much better prepared for an assault on World Cup glory than they were four years ago.

England’s World Cup dream was destroyed by South Africa at the quarter-final stage in 1999, but this time around, the reigning Six Nations champions are widely expected to make a major impact.

Head coach Clive Woodward will announce his team tomorrow for next weekend’s Pool C opener against Georgia at Subiaco Oval, and the sense of expectation is building.

“There are 30 players all fit and available for the first game, and I think that was the target – to get to Australia with no niggles or injuries and with a full deck of cards to choose from,” said Greenwood.

“Four years ago, if we had wanted to win the World Cup, then we would have relied on a lot of luck.

“I think that four years later, to a certain degree, we’ve eradicated the need for Lady Luck and for the bounce of the ball to go our way.

“Saying that, we’d still take it if it came along, but I think we are a lot better prepared as a 30-man squad, and we are a lot stronger in depth as far as the squad goes.

“Clive puts in front of the players all the opportunities, such as coaching staff and facilities to allow you to become a world-class player,” he added.

“After that, it is the individual who has to take advantage of that, and the 30 guys who are here are the 30 guys who have grasped those opportunities.”

Greenwood, meanwhile, has brushed aside criticism of his World Cup captain Martin Johnson by Springboks skipper Corne Krige.

Krige caused a stir when he was quoted in a South African newspaper describing Johnson as the dirtiest captain in international rugby.

His outspoken comment though, has not succeeded in rattling the England camp, less than a fortnight before their crucial Pool C clash against South Africa.

“To us, there is a lot said in the media about every game and a lot about every player. I think our side has come a long way, and games aren’t won in the press,” Greenwood added.

“Opposition players can say what they want, but the time when that would affect a side has long gone.

“As far as we are concerned, the South Africans are perfectly entitled to say what they like. We are just focussing on preparing for the Georgia game next Sunday.

“We don’t put an embargo on any of our guys saying anything, we just choose not to. We don’t see that it adds to our performance as a team. Therefore, we don’t spend our time doing it,” he added.

“I’ve not a clue how Martin reacted, but if I know him, then I would say he reacted with a very straight bat.”