 England coach Clive Woodward hugs match-winner Jonny Wilkinson |
The Rugby Football Union deserves a big slice of credit for England's World Cup success, according to London Irish coach Gary Gold. The South African says the RFU have been vindicated for keeping faith with Woodward despite a disappointing performance in 1999 and are now reaping the rewards for their backing.
"I thought England were outstanding in the final, like they have been for the last two and a half years," said Gold.
"I just wish clubs and organisations would see the value of continuity and see the value of backing a guy with vision.
"It was a magnificent performance and the RFU should be given credit for the support they've shown Clive.
"They kept faith with him even though everything did not go to plan in 1999 and it's paid off."
Gold also believes England's victory was far more convincing than the 20-17 scoreline suggests.
"For England to beat Australia in their own backyard was a tremendous achievement - you can add 30 points onto their score," he said.
"They deserved to win the tournament and it would have been wrong had any other team won it."
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They deserved to win the tournament and it would have been wrong had any other team won it 
England heroes profiled