Woodward's first shot in PR battle

Despite England being ranked No1 in the world, coach Woodward insists it is holders Australia who are the team to beat in the final in Sydney on 22 November.

This will be music to Wallaby ears as their team has failed to impress in the Tri-Nations and suffered a home defeat by England last June. However, Woodward, who arrives with his 30-strong squad in Perth tomorrow morning, said: "I've said all along that Australia are the team to watch. They've won two World Cups before, they are the current holders, they're playing at home and know how to win. They are an outstanding team with a proven track record. This is a one-off tournament and they have a great group of players. They are the team to beat, it's as simple as that."

Woodward said his players "must be like athletes looking to record their personal best" to win the competition. He added: "All of the players must produce a personal best. If they do that then we will have a good tournament. But the bottom line is Georgia a week on Sunday.

"People like to consider the past but all you can do is look at the current team. Our record speaks for itself - we have built up a lot of momentum.

"Wins over the likes of Ireland in Dublin and then the summer tour Down Under have helped to breed confidence but it's all history now.

"None of it will matter when we get to the World Cup. But we have a very experienced team now and I'm confident they can play anyone, any time, anywhere. We have drawn on all our experience of the last few years and put it into practice. All of us can be better than ever before.

"We're looking to get on with it now. The preparation has been excellent and I'm very pleased we're going with the same 30 we picked on 8 September. Everyone is fit and there is a tremendous amount of competition among the 30 players. We'll take the tough calls, though, leaving out the big names if they don't perform."