It was a year out from the 2003 Rugby World Cup and I remember being down to Australia at Twickenham.

Following a Wallabies try, Martin Johnson got us all under the posts and was not interested in charging down the kick.

We were behind and all that mattered to him was winning territory in the next five minutes.

He made it clear we had to be more aggressive in defence, stay in Australia’s 22 for as long as possible, and see if they could handle the pressure.

We produced an excellent final 20 minutes and Ben Cohen scored the try to overcome what was a 31-19 deficit.

The reason we then came back in the World Cup final against Australia was because of what had gone by in the years before.

The more difficult it is for this current England squad, the better. Coming from 12-0 down to defeat New Zealand could be the vital touchpoint they use on their journey to the next World Cup.

Maro Itoje, along with 30 other players, will remember what happens in different scenarios.

I watched Itoje walk down the tunnel with the referee at half-time, and he was having a very mature, informative conversation all the way back into the changing room.

Roll back even two or three years and Itoje is not doing that as captain – but there is something different in what he is bringing to the squad.

It is very low-key with him, it is so much easier to follow leaders like that rather than abrasive, more obvious leaders.

Sometimes those guys don’t have the ability to cover all the different characteristics. I can see how Itoje is able to adapt to his players.

When the final whistle went on Saturday, Henry Pollock was bouncing around, jumping on Ben Earl’s back.

Itoje was just shaking hands, cool as you like, and Pollock ran at him and they embraced.

It was like a clash of how you would celebrate a big win, but Itoje is able to adapt to his players.

Leadership in difficult moments does make the difference in the biggest Test matches. It is about nailing those key decisions and moments.

George Ford’s decision to take back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time is your perfect example.

I am buzzing about this England team, as I have never seen England on a charge like this before a World Cup.

I don’t believe any England team has been in this good a position in terms of strength and depth, leadership and the ability for individuals to win games.

Overall, there is now a stark contrast between where England are and where they have been over the past decade.

Steve Borthwick had to develop as a Test coach himself, and that was always going to take time.