Tonight’s semi final pits two great minds of rugby against each other when England’s Clive Woodward locks horns with France’s Bernard Laporte.
The era of Woodward has seen England’s rugby team become fully professional with a peerless attention to detail, while Laporte has worked hard to add discipline to the traditional French flair and flamboyance.
The Professional
Woodward, who became England’s first full time professional coach when he succeeded Jack Rowell in 1997, set about a full professional overhaul of England’s rugby structure.
The former sports science student at Loughborough University has been working towards his goal of an England RWC victory since his side’s quarter final defeat by South Africa in 1999. No expense has been spared in the preparation of a team who has amassed 31 victories from their last 33 Tests.
Such is the professional set up that England has amassed, they have travelled to the RWC 2003 with a coach and three assistant coaches all falling under Woodward’s control. Added to this is a separate fitness coach and video analyst - adding up to a side committed to rugby perfection and their goal of a RWC victory.
The Kaiser
French coach Bernard Laporte became the youngest coach in the history of French rugby when he was named national coach in 1999. He earned his reputation as a winner during his spell at Stade Francais, where he took them from bottom of the third division to top flight champions in just three years.
The first national coach not to have played at international level, Laporte quickly got the nickname “The Kaiser” due to the direct way he spoke to his players at training.
The era of Laporte has been one marked with his own style. His imposed rigour and discipline has created a French side with toughness not previously seen by sides relying on flair.
The 39 year old has also received praise from the local media for the sheer presence he has brought to training as well as his tolerance and endurance.
The media have also come to enjoy the Laporte press conference style. With the persona of a mad professor his frequent use of imaginative metaphors and colourful language has seen a distinct French style come to the post match press conference.
The crux
Both Woodward and Laporte already have impressive coaching CVs. By 10pm Sydney-time this evening, one of them will be able to add a line about guiding a team to a RWC final.