Rugby World Cup Final: The Preview
19th October, 2007
Somehow, four years on, we find ourselves the again unlikely finalists competing for Rugby's biggest prize, the Webb Ellis trophy. England have defied the odds to reach the Rugby World Cup final, producing some of the best displays since the final four long years ago, defeating the hosts France and previous final opponents Australia to meet South Africa in the final.
Players to watch:
- Percy Montgomery – who has missed just one of 14 penalty attempts and scored 93 points this tournament.
- Bryan Habana – the lightning-quick Springbok will look to break Jonah Lomu’s World Cup record of eight tries in one tournament.
- Jason Robinson – Winning his 51st cap, tomorrow will be his final competitive game of rugby, and the South Africans will be all too well aware of his knack for creating headlines in important games.
South Africa have won all four of the last meetings between the sides, including a humiliating 36-0 defeat at the pool stages. It has been predicted to be a cagey affair, with forwards expected to dominate as the battle for make up ground will be key. It may well come down to who can hold their nerve when looking to kick. South Africa are favourites to win the final, at about 2/5, and England sit at around evens. Remember to use our free live odds comparison service to keep up with the latest market changes.
Bookie Alerts’ thoughts: COME ON ENGLAND!
