Woodward plans low-key build-up

England boss Clive Woodward will put the emphasis on light training this week as his players prepare for next Saturday’s World Cup final against Australia.

No punishing sessions are planned, as England find themselves 80 minutes away from a potential first World Cup triumph following their 24-7 semi-final success against France.

The Telstra Stadium showdown is a repeat of the 1991 final at Twickenham, when Australia prevailed 12-6.

If the Wallabies make home advantage count, then rugby union’s golden prize will be theirs for the third time. No team has previously retained the trophy.

“It will be a quiet week this week,” said Woodward today.

“England have one less training day to prepare, and that is quite a big advantage. It is Monday today, the match is on Saturday, while most of our games in this tournament have been on Sunday.

“We will do nothing today apart from recover, we will do a light walk through on Tuesday, some light training on Wednesday, there will be a day off on Thursday and probably a day off on Friday.

“We have done everything. Most of what we need to do can be done in the team room, because we have to be very fresh for Saturday.”