Gregan prepares for Saturday's game (Getty Images).

By Alex Lowe, PA Sport, Sydney

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One word will sum up Australia's approach to the Rugby World Cup final against England on Saturday - discipline.

The danger posed by Jonny Wilkinson's lethal kicking is clear, but Wallabies skipper George Gregan on Friday warned his side that they will need to retain structure and concentration in every facet of their game to test the world's number one side.

Against Clive Woodward's men in June, the Wallabies' line was breached three times and their pack famously sent reeling by a 40-metre rolling maul.

Only a moment of brilliance from Wendell Sailor, with the game already lost, earned them a consolation try and a repeat performance of that Melbourne display will herald another hiding, as will a high penalty count.

Wales found that out to their cost in the quarter-final when conceding 17 penalties to nine proved decisive given they outscored England by three tries to one.

Wilkinson, the game's most lethal accumulator of points, will punish any Wallaby indiscretions, Jason Robinson and co any defensive lapses.

"We must be disciplined," said Gregan on Friday after leading the side through their final run-out.

"But not just in terms of giving penalties away, it's in terms of everything we do. If we are disciplined in attack and defence we get a lot of confidence from that.

"Our team really relies on that. Discipline will go a long way to us finding our way (to victory) on the field."

Quite what Woodward will be able to draw from that June victory is unclear given only six Australian players survive from that night to play in Saturday's spine-tingling showdown.

England, though, have made just the one change with Matt Dawson back as starting scrum-half in what is their strongest possible line-up.

Much has happened for Australia since losing to England. They again came second in the Tri-Nations, lost the Bledisloe Cup and were written off as World Cup no-hopers by their own media.

Few could see where Jones' plans were going. That is, until everything clicked into place against New Zealand.

Could it be Australia's destiny to register a number of firsts by winning the 2003 World Cup after such a difficult year?

"I don't believe in destiny, I believe in reality," said Gregan.

"Sport brings you back to reality pretty quickly. I also believe in hard work and planning. And we've certainly done that. It gives you opportunities and sport provides opportunities and it's whether or not you can take them.

"Whether or not you are good enough on the night and then fate, destiny, whatever you call it, falls into your hands."

One thing the difficult year has done for the squad is create a strength, a unity, a resolve that remains unbreakable at the hardest of times.

It has also given the squad a taste of defeat. Handing over the Bledisloe Cup for the first time in five years was a particularly sour experience few want to repeat.

"Everyone in this team has experienced defeat and it's not a nice taste," he said.

"You want to put yourself in a position where you're hopefully smiling and celebrating victory, but it takes a lot of hard work.

"It's a World Cup final so if you weren't nervous you probably aren't from this planet. There is also excitement in the squad and the guys are really keen to get out there and play.

"Once you get down to the last four, the last two you have done your preparation, you've put yourself in the position. It's just a matter of backing yourself and being confident on the night.

"There is respect towards England, but confidence in each other that if we do the job on the night, the result will take care of itself."

And they will have no little support, even if the Barmy Army succeed in outvoicing the Wallaby fans in the ground.

After a festive week that cast minds backs to the Olympics of 2002, Australia was today transformed into a sea of gold as workers and rugby fans took the advice of Prime Minister John Howard to back 'Gold Friday' as they prepare for the final.

"You feel responsible every time you wear the Wallaby jumper. You're representing each other as team-mates, your family and obviously your country," said Gregan.

"It's at a stage now where the whole country is right behind the team and we've been ecstatic with the support."