Lewsey urges England to rise again

Updated 15.50 Tue Oct 16 2007

Keywords: Josh Lewsey, Mike Catt, Jonny Wilkinson, Brian Ashton, South Africa, World Cup, England, rugby, sport

Josh Lewsey is urging his England team-mates to once again defy the odds when they take on World Cup favourites South Africa in Saturday's final.

The 30-year-old winger has been ruled out of Saturday's showpiece in Paris by the grade one hamstring strain he suffered in the 14-9 semi-final victory over hosts France at the Stade de France last weekend.

"South Africa are favourites and rightly so, they beat us 36-0 last time and stuffed us twice in the summer. But we have had two good wins and it is quite nice doing the old Frankie Dettori, coming up on the rails" - Josh Lewsey

But Lewsey, who has seen boss Brian Ashton revive the reigning world champions' hopes of becoming the first nation to make a successful defence of the Webb Ellis trophy since their 36-0 drubbing at the hands of the Springboks four weeks ago, wants the underdogs to build on the momentum of wins over Australia and France.

He said: "South Africa are favourites and rightly so, they beat us 36-0 last time and stuffed us twice in the summer. But we have had two good wins and it is quite nice doing the old Frankie Dettori, coming up on the rails. Hopefully we can do it again.

"There have been some difficult times and our performances haven't been up to it, but we have a lot of gnarly old battle-horses in this squad.

"We have guys who have won trophies - club trophies, European trophies, Grand Slams and a World Cup. They are proven performers on the big stage. Against France we took the opportunities when they mattered. Hopefully we can continue that into this weekend."

Ashton, who is also sweating over the fitness of veteran centre Mike Catt (groin), has called up inexperienced Bath full-back Nick Abendanon for the final.

But Lewsey's most likely replacement in England's World Cup final starting XV is Mark Cueto.

However, Ashton could be tempted to move Mathew Tait to the wing with Dan Hipkiss at outside centre.