England face triple Springboks final threat
England's rugby stars know they must stub out the triple threat of Brian Habana, Percy Montgomery and Francois Steyn if they are to make World Cup history.
Jack White has named the same starting Xv which steamrolled Argentina 37-13 in last Sunday's semi-final in Paris.
And buoyed by four wins over the world champions in 11 months, including a 36-0 victory in the pool stage last month, the Springboks will have high hopes of joining Australia in lifting the Webb Ellis trophy for the second time.
But retiring wing Jason Robinson, who will line up at full-back for England in his final game, is urging his team-mates to make "one last push" after beating Australia and France to remain on course to become the first team to retain the World Cup.
Robinson, who scored England's only try in the 2003 final in Sydney, said: "There is a lot of excitement, it is a massive game, no doubt about it. Last time we played them they beat us convincingly.
"I know I'm finishing (after the game) but having been on the rugby treadmill for the last 16 years I won't know what it's like to not be on it until next week. So there is going to be a certain mix of feelings but the main thing is to stay focused. I am just pleased with the way we have turned things around. Hopefully with one last push we will be successful."
In addition to Robinson, Jonny Wilkinson, Ben Kay and Phil Vickery will all start their second World Cup final in the Stade de France on Saturday night.
And White believes England's experience of being crowned world champions last time out gives Brian Ashton's men a major advantage.
The South Africa head coach, who is expecting a different game to that played out against in Paris last month, said: "They have won a World Cup away from home.
"Even though Josh Lewsey is not playing (because of injury) he will play a massive part in the preparations for the final.
"That's a massive advantage to have - having guys like (Lawrence) Dallaglio, Wilkinson, Robinson, (Mike) Catt, guys who have won a World Cup. That's why it's going to be a completely different outing to the pool game."
World Cup final team news:
England: J Robinson (unattached); P Sackey (Wasps), M Tait (Newcastle), M Catt (London Irish), M Cueto (Sale Sharks); J Wilkinson (Newcastle), A Gomarsall (Harlequins); A Sheridan (Sale Sharks), M Regan (Bristol), P Vickery (Wasps, capt), S Shaw (Wasps), B Kay (Leicester), M Corry (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), N Easter (Harlequins).
Substitutes: G Chuter (Leicester), M Stevens (Bath), L Dallaglio (Wasps), J Worsley (Wasps), P Richards (London Irish), T Flood (Newcastle), D Hipkiss (Leicester).
South Africa: P Montgomery (Natal Sharks); JP Pietersen (Natal Sharks), J Fourie (Golden Lions), F Steyn (Natal Sharks), B Habana (Blue Bulls); B James (Natal Sharks), F du Preez (Blue Bulls); O du Randt (Free State), J Smit (Natal Sharks, capt), CJ van der Linde (Free State), B Botha (Blue Bulls), V Matfield (Blue Bulls), S Burger (Western Province), J Smith (Free State), D Rossouw (Blue Bulls).
Substitutes: B du Plessis (Natal Sharks), J du Plessis (Free State), J Muller (Natal Sharks), W van Heerden (Blue Bulls), R Pienaar (Natal Sharks), A Pretorius (Golden Lions), W Olivier (Blue Bulls).
© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.
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