England rugby fans were last night counting down the days to a showdown with Australia after Jonny Wilkinson kicked his team into Saturday's World Cup final.

The Newcastle Falcons wonder scored every one of England's points in yesterday's 24-7 semi-final victory over France.

Cheered on by the thousands of fans who have made the trip Down Under, Wilkinson kicked three drop goals and five penalties as the rain lashed down in Sydney.

After the game, England coach Clive Woodward said: "The English fans were just incredible - better than Twickenham."

Back home, supporters gathered for a champagne breakfast at the Newcastle Falcons clubhouse. Chief executive John Parkinson said: "We're really proud of Jonny and the rest of the lads - he's a real hero."

But while the rest of the country was glued to TV screens, Jonny's mother, Philippa, of Thornbrough, near Corbridge, in Northumberland, went for a stroll in the sunshine.

She said: "I just can't watch when Jonny is playing - it makes me too nervous.

"My husband, Phil, is in Australia, and he texts me the score at the end of the game.

"I'm so happy for Jonny, and proud for him that it went so well."

l More than 15,000 pubs and 1,000 rugby club bars will open early for Saturday morning's final.