The curtain falls on the stellar RWC career of Australian captain George Gregan after tomorrow night’s final against England at Sydney’s Telstra Stadium.
Australia’s most capped Test scrum half will leave rugby's greatest stage not only renowned as a great player but also for playing with an undying committment and passion.
On the eve of his last RWC match Gregan, a veteran of three Rugby World Cup campaigns including the world champions’ 1999 success, spoke of the passion in the current Australian team.
"Last week we were playing like there's no tomorrow. If you want to dress it up to be that (passion) then so be it. I also think that we were very clinical... this is my last World Cup final, there is no tomorrow," Gregan said at the Australian press conference earlier today.
Still nervous
But despite his years of experience and considerable achievements the 30 year old still gets nervous.
"I think I'd want to be nervous. It's a World Cup Final and if you weren't nervous you probably aren't from this planet. I think also there is an emotion of excitement within the team,” Gregan said.
“We've worked really hard to put ourselves in this situation, and our run today was full of enthusiasm and I think the guys are really keen to get out there and play."
Winning streak
Gregan is one of only two remaining members, the other is Matt Burke, from the Australian side that last tasted defeat at a RWC back in 1995.
Ironically, that loss came against Australia’s opponents tomorrow night, a Rob Andrew drop goal snatching a 25-22 victory for England after the lead had changed six times in the match.
Since that defeat Australia has strung together a 12 match-winning streak at Rugby World Cups and Gregan hasn’t entertained the thought of losing tomorrow night.
"You don't think about it too much. Last week for example (versus New Zealand), you obviously feel -- especially if you know a few of the guys on a personal level -- for them. But it's you against them and you want to be experiencing the positive side of it. Everyone in this team has experienced defeat and it's not a nice taste. You want to put yourself in a position where your hopefully smiling and celebrating victory, but it takes a lot of hard work."
Public support
Gregan believes the growing weight of public expectation on the Wallabies as they advanced through the knock out stages has been a help rather than a hindrance to the defending champions.
"You feel responsible every time you wear the Wallaby jumper. You're representing each other as teammates, your family and obviously your country, Gregan explained.
”It's obviously at a stage now where the whole country is right behind the team and we've been absolutely ecstatic with the support we've got from all around the country."
Quietly confident
Reflecting on the feeling in the camp today compared to the John Eales-led 1999 side, Gregan says the mood has shifted from nervousness to one of self-assurance.
"I think the team was probably the most nervous going in this Tournament in the Quarter Final, and so it should, because it's a knockout phase. And once you get in there you sort of get down to four, then two.
”You've done the preparation, you've put yourself in the position, it's just a matter of backing yourself and being confident and positive on the night.
”That's where we are at the moment - the team has a quiet confidence. Obviously there is a big respect towards England but confidence in each other that if we do the job on the night the result will take care of itself."
Will to win
He might be in the twilight of his career but the Wallabies playmaker still knows how to win and importantly what Australia needs to do to get their hands on the Webb Ellis Cup for a third time.
"Discipline. But not just in terms of giving penalties away, it's in terms of everything we do. If we are disciplined in attack and defence we get a lot of confidence from that and our team really relies on that. (Discipline) will go a long way to us finding our way on the field."