Woodward deadpans over disciplinary rules

England coach Clive Woodward showed either short-term memory loss or masterful deadpan humour when asked whether new disciplinary rules at the tournament would prevent teams from trying to hurt, or "take out" an opponent.

"I can't believe any team would tactically try to take other players out, it doesn't happen in the modern game," Woodward said.

"I can't even envisage it. There's 26 cameras out there. You just can't get away with those things. You're going to miss the tournament."

It is less than a year since England's vicious clash against South Africa at Twickenham, where Woodward's star playmaker, Jonny Wilkinson, was forced off the field after concerted hits from the Springboks.

Full World Cup coverage