 Woodward (left) was impressed with what he saw |
South Africa have found support from an unlikely voice in England coach Clive Woodward. England's 25-6 victory over South Africa means the Springboks now face a potential quarter-final against New Zealand.
However, Woodward, who had spent months plotting South Africa's downfall in Perth, believes they have nothing to fear against the All Blacks.
"There's no doubt in my mind that South Africa can beat New Zealand," Woodward said.
England faced a fierce onslaught from South Africa for much of the match and Woodward was impressed with what he saw.
 | We didn't quite hit the standard we were hoping for but I never thought the game was in doubt  |
"It's you guys [the media] who keep writing about this dreaded match against the All Blacks," he added. "I think the South Africans will relish it."
And Woodward believes that Rudolf Straueli's men can take heart not only from their Perth performance, but also from their showing in the Tri-Nations.
When the teams last met in Dunedin in August, South Africa were edged out 19-11 in a match Woodward feels they should have won.