New low from rattled Aussies

That concern will inevitably increase with the news that the weather is likely to play into England's hands, too. The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting rain and wind just before kick-off on Saturday which should suit England's Wilkinson-inspired kicking game and work against Australia who want to play a more expansive match.

Wallaby coach Eddie Jones threw down a challenge to his opposite number Clive Woodward today by insisting his players were ready to throw the ball around and help create a fantastic spectacle - if England agree to join in.

Jones said: "We will keep our side of the bargain and, if England and the referee keep theirs, then it could be the world's greatest ever match."

Jones said that Wilkinson had not warranted special attention in the build-up to the final. "We have probably spoken less about him than any other member of their team," added Jones. "We have been looking at the guys around him who allow Wilkinson the opportunities to kick the points. We are not blowing him out of proportion."

Meanwhile, Woodward revealed that England will take inspiration from the formidable fighting spirit of the Royal Marines in the final.

The England coach believes he learnt a vital lesson when his players were put through their paces by the Marines in the build-up to the 1999 cup campaign.

Having failed to get past the quarter-finals four years ago, Woodward pinpointed what made the Marines so effective when they are under intense pressure and has utilised this knowledge in this current challenge.

Woodward said: "I remember a few years ago we were training with the Royal Marines and I was speaking with a senior officer who said their preparation is without parallel and that is why they are the best. Their mindset is that when they jump out of a helicopter they believe that they know what is going to happen.

"But the secret of success is that if it doesn't happen that way they have just got to be able to adjust immediately and that is what I like to think that England do.

"We have really worked on that and our preparation, so when the guys run out on Saturday night and we cross that line, we like to feel we know how the game is going to unfold. However, if it doesn't, we then have to change things through the 80 minutes. It is a great comparison with the Marines about how your mindset has got to be."