Clive Woodward: Ref robbed France of 2011 World Cup

The All Blacks celebrate as referee Craig Joubert blows time on the 2011 Rugby World Cup final. Photo / Richard Robinson

Sir Clive Woodward has claimed France would have won the 2011 Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks if the match was 'refereed properly'.

South African referee Craig Joubert was in charge of the final at Eden Park, won by the All Blacks 8-7.

Woodward, who coached England to the title in 2003, said France should still be aggrieved about losing the 2011 final.

"If I had been the coach of France in that World Cup, I would still be apoplectic to this day," Woodward said.

"If that final had been refereed properly, France would have won."

Woodward has also warned England coach Stuart Lancaster "one stupid tweet" from any of his players could derail his team's World Cup bid on home soil.

The 2015 tournament hosts launch their campaign against Fiji at Twickenham on Friday week, and Woodward has revealed he has handed current boss Lancaster some words of advice ahead of the global battle.

Woodward categorically cites social media as the chief pitfall.

"It's the new enemy," the 59-year-old said, speaking in this week's Radio Times.

"We didn't have to worry about it in 2003."

Woodward shined a light on the advice he had given Lancaster.

"Don't let the players be distracted. It could be the media, their family, sponsors, ticket requests, anything.

"One stupid tweet, one ill-judged video out on social media - if you allow one player to be distracted, it can affect the whole team, and it can all come tumbling down."

England have reportedly handed their World Cup squad social media guidelines, keen to avoid any unnecessary distractions.