We'll win by three points, says Woody

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Four years ago, Woodward's team won by exactly that margin against Australia when Jonny Wilkinson drop-kicked England to victory in extra-time.

But Woodward believes Brian Ashton's triumph would be even more remarkable than the one he engineered with such attention to detail four years ago.

Woodward said: "I would say it is a bigger story this time in a way. These guys have come from the outside, from eighth favourite or something, and really delivered.

"So it must be extremely exciting to be in the England camp because they've got nothing to lose at the weekend whereas we felt a huge amount of tension going in to that final. If we'd lost that match we would never ever have forgiven ourselves. These guys have got there just through sheer will, hard work and determination.

"But in 2003, there was a huge amount of pressure on us, especially from ourselves, because we thought we were the best team and we thought we should win this thing. That created a whole amount of pressure and, thankfully, we delivered."

The Springboks will go into the match at the Stade de France as favourites but Woodward has been impressed by the recent turnaround.

He added: "Massive credit to everyone involved because if they were to be successful it would be Boy's Own stuff.

"To go from a 36-0 defeat in your second pool game to making the final and potentially winning it is just fantastic."

Woodward reckons the key to success is simple. He said in The Times: "If England can stay in touch until the last 20 minutes, expect the nervousness to spread among the South Africans. Our experience will come through.

"The big question is: Can we stay in touch for that first hour? I just hope we see a second winner's medal around Phil Vickery's neck. A wet, rainy night would be another welcome gift. England to win by three points."