Two factors have marked England’s play in the past year: experience and composure. Should they hold the Webb Ellis Cup aloft on Saturday night, the same key factors will no doubt have played a big role.
Since losing to France in the 2002 Six Nations Championship, England have gone on to win 21 out of 22 games they have played. Along the way they have forged a team with the experience to overcome any number of challenges which may present themselves in a match, according to Woodward.
"We've got a very experienced team who know how to win Test matches and now we've got to take everything in our stride,” explained coach Clive Woodward from his team’s camp at Manly Beach.
Prior to their great run, Woodward admits his side had been through some disappointing times. But he believes those tough lessons are still helping the team today.
"In six years we've been through some fantastic times and had some bitter experiences, but it came to a stage a couple of years ago when all the learning had been done.”
When explaining the composure within the side, Woodward is quick to point his captain Martin Johnson, while also praising his support cast.
"A lot of it's down the Martin Johnson, who I believe is the best captain in world rugby, but there are a lot of brains out there with him. People like Dallaglio, Dawson, Back and Wilkinson.
"I think the high point was a year ago against Australia when we were 12 points down at Twickenham and in the last 25 minutes there was no panic and we pulled our way back into the match."
That 32-31 win over Australia is one of the four successive victories over the world champions since the Wallabies claimed their RWC 1999 crown.
Their last meeting saw England record their first victory over Australia in Australia courtesy of a 24-15 victory in Melbourne. The win saw England installed as pre Tournament favourites and Saturday will give them the opportunity to prove their admirers right.
While Saturday’s game represents the culmination of a four year plan, Woodward insists he won't be disappointed if Australia play better on the day.
"The most important thing is that we do everything possible to win this game on Saturday night," he said. "We’ve had great support …but it's sport. There are no guarantees of winning anything.”
If defeat should come, disappointment will only arise when Woodward appraises his own performance.
"The only way I'll be disappointed is if I haven't done my job, not made the right calls, not fought for something. If we win it'll be because we deserved it. If we don't it'll be because Australia played better. If that happens, we'll shake hands and move on.”
Star fly half Jonny Wilkinson’s stock rose even higher after his personal tally of 24 points catapulted England into the final. While Woodward is certain his points machine will figure in his opponent's pre match plan, he believes it would be the same with any team.
"Clearly nine and 10 are the key players in every team and if you close them down you've got more chance of winning."