Just four months after Martin Johnson lifted the Webb Ellis Trophy in Australia, England finished in third place in the 2004 RBS 6 Nations Championship, trailing behind their Grand Slam conquerors France and Triple Crown winners Ireland.

Tries in the final 25 minutes from wings Ben Cohen and Josh Lewsey threatened a stunning fight back after the visitors had trailed 24-6, but as Woodward admitted before leaving Paris, it would have been a classic case of getting out of jail had his team triumphed.

This years RBS 6 Nations has proved a testing championship for Woodward and his players, but the head coach is in no doubt he has the right man at the helm in Wasps star Dallaglio.

I think that Lawrence has done a great job, Woodward said.

It was always going to be a difficult year after the World Cup, and he has handled it very well.

He knows what he is about and he knows that we are going through a period of change.

He is a World Cup winner and he is doing a fantastic job.

It doesnt need me to reassure him - he spoke brilliantly after the game, and I know that I have made the right choice.

It is not easy for him, but he is there and he will be there in the summer in New Zealand and Australia.