Woodward, who led England to World Cup glory with a final victory over hosts Australia in November 2003, has admitted he thought his former side were leading the way with their training facilities.

"I thought we (England) were ahead," Woodward told The Times.

"The moment I spent a week with Wales (in November) I thought 'This is incredible'.

"They have a centre where it's almost like a club side, they are there so often.

"In terms of sheer numbers, England should never have to worry about beating these guys. But they are too busy blaming losses on injured players and refereeing decisions.

"If all the players had been back for the last three games they would have won them, but that would have been hiding the bigger story."