Woodward in awe of Japan
Woodward, who got the better of current Japan coach and the then Australia handler Eddie Jones in the 2003 Final in Sydney, writing in his Daily Mail column, said a combination of "belief and courage" combined with clever coaching could make any dream come true.
"Japan's win over South Africa, engineered by my old mate and sparring partner Eddie Jones is the greatest single moment in World Cup history and arguably the most important development the modern game has ever seen," wrote Woodward.
"To use the technical term it was bloody marvellous.
"It was a performance of breathtaking brilliance and courage and also a coaching coup of thrilling panache which sends out a message to the entire sporting world, not just rugby.
"Underdogs can become world beaters if you truly believe," added the 59-year-old, whose side won the 2003 World Cup in dramatic fashion with a drop goal by English superstar Jonny Wilkinson in the dying seconds of extra time
Woodward, who is now a well-paid and respected pundit, had his verbal tussles with Jones down the years when he was coaching, not least during the 2003 campaign but the Englishman said that was largely for show.
"Eddie is a very engaging and bright guy, great company who calls a spade a spade," said Woodward.
"Of all the coaches I ever tangled with, Eddie was – and clearly still is – absolutely the best in terms of maximising the talent he has available and thinking outside the box."
Jones quipped after the victory that he was too old at 55 still to be coaching, and reaching the quarterfinals would allow him to retire and be like Woodward sitting in the comfort of a studio.
Agence France-Presse
