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LONDON - Sir Clive Woodward said the rugby World Cup-winning experience of England's veterans would see them beat South Africa in Sunday's (NZT) final.
Woodward, who coached England to victory in the 2003 tournament, said the Springboks would provide the holders with their toughest game of the 2007 World Cup by far when the two sides meet at Stade de France in Paris.
If England can hold the favourites until the last 20 minutes, the team's experience of handling the pressure in such contests will come shining through, Woodward wrote in The Times newspaper today.
Woodward believes the experience of fringe players who were involved in his 2003 World Cup winning squad "cannot be underestimated now".
"England's progress in France has been gloriously unexpected, but we should not forget that as many as 11 of (coach) Brian Ashton's starting 15 against France were involved in a winning campaign," he said.
"These guys are world champions. The knowledge they gained is priceless.
"This is the reason why Brian picked this group of players when there were other less experienced but more talented players available."
That was brought to bear in the underdogs' 12-10 quarterfinal win over Australia and 14-9 victory over France, Woodward said.
"You can see the experience in the way that, against Australia and France, there has been no sense of panic heading into the closing stages of tense matches," he wrote.
"In contrast, England's opponents betrayed their fragility by going for ambitious dropped goals from their own half in the first few minutes. How both those teams must be regretting their approach.
"Instantly you sensed nervousness, but I would not expect the same of South Africa. They are a sharp bunch and have a kicker in Percy Montgomery who is as reliable as Jonny Wilkinson.
"This will be the toughest game of the lot, by a considerable margin ... if this were not such an unpredictable tournament, you would have to make them clear favourites.
"If England can stay in touch until 20 minutes to go, expect the nervousness to spread among the South Africans and England's experience to come through.
"The big question is, can we stay in touch with them for the first hour?"
Woodward said there would not be any unexpected gameplans from either side.
"England's tactics are apparent to everybody and they will try to use their forwards to pile the pressure on South Africa and play the game 40 metres from the Springboks' line for as long as possible," he wrote.
"I would always prefer to arrive as favourites. You want to turn up with the No 1 ranking and leave with the trophy, as we did in 2003.
"That said, Brian did not have four years to prepare and the unexpected nature of England's march on Paris makes it a fantastic story.
"It has reminded us of sport's wonderful capacity to surprise and it has made heroes of those who might never have expected their day in the sun."
Woodward, who quit as England coach in 2004 in frustration at the politics of English rugby hampering his ability to operate, added: "I have been thinking a great deal about the players of 2003 and this brave group of 2007.
"I could not have asked for more four years ago and I am sure that Brian feels the same way about his team.
"This present group should have been treated better over the past four years. If they win the ultimate prize, it will again be in spite of the system. Nothing has changed there.
"My thoughts are with them every step of the way and I just hope we see a second winner's medal around (captain Phil) Vickery's neck.
"A wet, rainy night would be another welcome gift from our friends in France. England to win by three points."
- AFP
