Discipline will be the key to winning the World Cup when defending champions Australia take on England in the final, Wallabies coach Eddie Jones said today.
Jones said he was impressed with England's ability to put away an error-prone French side who struggled to cope with heavy rain and slippery conditions in the second semi-final in Sydney yesterday.
England's discipline in difficult conditions allowed them to build their win around outhalf Jonny Wilkinson, who claimed all their points with five penalties and three drop goals in their 24-7 victory over the French.
"They played the conditions superbly, got field position and with Wilkinson kicking goals and field goals, they played a very smart and pretty influential brand of rugby," Jones said.
He said Wilkinson's effectiveness with the boot meant that Australia could not afford to repeat France's many mistakes and give away penalties from anywhere in their half of the field.
"Discipline is going to be a big factor. You can't afford to give a penalty 55 metres away from your goal line because Wilkinson's capable of drilling them. It's going to be an important part for both sides," Jones said.
Australia became the first side through to the final when they upset favourites New Zealand 22-10 in the first semi-final on Saturday.