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South Africa take it on a points decision
Everyone has their own school of thought as to who will win the World Cup final on Saturday, and each varies greatly from the last.
So how do you determine who will win? Some have suggested previous results, in which case South Africa are firm favourites, others have singled out key players, of which Jonny Wilkinson must be the pick of the bunch, while others are not prepared to predict the result of such an important game.
Throughout the tournament we have taken an in-depth look at players' performances, selected Teams of the Weeks and generally picked sides to pieces to uncover the stars. Now we are down to the final two, South Africa and England, and it is time to take a closer look at just how they have performed, as we try to garner an idea of who will take the glory on Saturday.
So true to tradition we looked back over the past two months and assessed each player's performances and rated them accordingly.
Full-back:
Percy Montgomery: Throughout the tournament Monty has been the rock in the Springbok back-line both in attack and defence. While he has not set the tournament alight he has guided the backs with aplomb. Add to that his supreme kicking and he has been a valuable asset to Jake White. 8.5
Jason Robinson: Billy Whizz has hit a rich vein of form in France, and has lifted England in the process. Perceived by many as a weakness in defence he has proved all his doubters wrong, and we have witnessed the Robinson of old with dazzling runs and dancing feet Michael Flatley would be proud of. 8
Right wing:
JP Pietersen: Whilst Pietersen has had a hard act to follow with a certain Bryan Habana on the other wing he has gone about his business quietly and effectively. Has had limited chance to shine but has scored some fine tries, including a telling score against England in the group stages. 7.5
Paul Sackey: A player who has stood out despite many doubting his ability, especially as a defender. Has scored some crucial tries for England as they clawed their way back from the brink of elimination and could be a threat to South Africa. 7
Outside centre:
Jaque Fourie: There is no doubting Fourie has quality but he has failed to demonstrate it during the World Cup. He has not been bad, apart from his comments about Fiji, but by no means has he been at his peak. A player England will target on Saturday. 6.5
Mathew Tait: Another who has failed to reach his full potential thus far, but glimmers of his searing pace and silky skills suggest he is ready to boil over and produce the goods in the final. Will need to up his defence if he is to shackle the big midfield runners of the Springboks. 7
Inside centre:
François Steyn: Steyn, you could argue, got a lucky break when Jean de Villiers got injured, and will be disappointed he has not made more of his chance. Granted he has made several telling breaks in the latter rounds, but he has also shown a tendency to spill the ball in contact and take the wrong option at times. 6.5
Mike Catt: Quite how this man keeps on going is remarkable, and he has once again been a solid go-to man in the England ranks. By no means an exceptional tournament from Catt but as solid as ever and has provided Wilkinson with a valuable kicking option when the pressure has been on. 7
Left wing:
Bryan Habana: Without a doubt the star performer for South Africa at the World Cup, and arguably the player of the tournament. He has revelled in performing on the biggest stage in rugby and has scored several sensational tries to confirm his status as one of the best players in the world. 9
Mark Cueto: All Cueto's appearances to date have come in the group stages, where for the main England struggled, although this is no reflection of the man himself. He has rarely had chance to shine, and given his finishing prowess has been something of a disappointment in that sense. 6.5
Fly-half:
Butch James: South Africa came into the tournament needing a solid influence at fly-half, and that is just what James has been. He has controlled the game well for the Boks without doing anything special and has stuck to a rigid game plan. Renowned for the odd stupid tackle, he has managed to resist the urge so far. 7.5
Jonny Wilkinson: The difference he makes to England is immeasurable, even though by his standards he has not been at his best. What has stood him out though is his ability to win games for England when the chips are down, and truth be told he has been there with the best of them at the World Cup. 8
Scrum-half:
Fourie de Preez: One of South Africa's key players at the World Cup. He is the reason they are able to play such a flowing game, his link work is of the highest order and he has been a constant threat with ball in hand. Just ask England and they will tell you how dangerous he can be. His defensive frailties were exposed against Fiji, England take note. 8.5
Andy Gomarsall: Coming to the World Cup as third choice scrum-half Gomarsall has hit the form of his life to secure the number nine shirt with a string of fine displays, extracting the full value from his forward pack. Given a chance to impress against Samoa he took it with both hands and has not looked back since. 8
Number eight:
Danie Rossouw: The weak link in the South African back row as far as his overall game is concerned. A useful line-out option and a burly ball carrier with an impressive work-rate. Has had the tendency to be predictable in what he does, but when he carries he does so effectively. 7
Nick Easter: A player who just keeps on getting better and impressing with his work rate and effectiveness. Proved his class against France and Australia with two fine displays. Can be a little one-dimensional at times but is a quality ball carrier and tireless in defence. 8
Openside:
Schalk Burger: At one stage it appeared a ban would ruin his World Cup but the 'Incredible Schalk' has bounced back in fine style. Has gradually got better as the tournament has progressed and is hitting his best form. Struggled as a number eight, highlighting his weaknesses at the base of the scrum against Fiji in particular. 8
Lewis Moody: As with all of England's forwards he has been as solid as you could hope for at the business end of the tournament, without turning in a truly special display. Came through the mill in one piece against Tonga and has been a tireless campaigner for Brian Ashton. 7
Blindside:
Juan Smith: Another player who is up there for player of the tournament. Has epitomised everything good in a back-row player in attack and defence. Has constantly been on the shoulder of attacking players and his defensive work rate has been unflinching. 8.5
Martin Corry: Graft and hard work best sum up Corry, a warrior to the end but a hero he is not. Having looked to be on the brink of losing his England place for good earlier in the year he has come to the party at the World Cup. His one-dimensional style is suited to the blindside and he will do well to match Burger in the final showdown. 7
Second Row:
Victor Matfield: Safe in the knowledge that there is little else available to Jake White in the second row Matfield has not been pushed to deliver his best rugby. Having said that his line-out work, as always, has been of the highest order, but his work in the loose could have been slightly better. 7.5
Bakkies Botha: The perfect foil for Matfield, his partner in crime has been at his destructive best. Never far from the tight exchanges, where he is most valuable to the Boks, he has worked tirelessly with his fellow tight forwards. As solid as they come and more than prepared to play the role of the enforcer. 7.5
Ben Kay: Much as with Matfield you feel Kay has failed to deliver his best rugby over the past two months, although what he has done has been full of gusto and endeavour. Has lived in the shadow of Simon Shaw but has not once shirked his duties. 7
Simon Shaw: Few words will do this giant of a man justice, for he has been a colossus at the heart of the England pack. His basics have been watertight and his work in the open defies his size and frame. Has taken his time to fulfil his potential but is doing so right when it counts the most. 8.5
Tighthead:
CJ van der Linde: The modern day prop, big, strong and plenty of pace for a front row player. Has been troubled a little in the scrum but in general has at least held his own. Whilst other props have floundered in the open spaces CJ has positively blossomed with the ball in hand and has a nose for the try line to boot. 7.5
Phil Vickery: His reckless trip on Paul Emerick has put a mark on his report card, but along with his front row companions has been the cornerstone of England's dogged performances in the knockout stages. Another solid performer. 7
Hooker:
John Smit: Only when he has not been on the pitch has his true worth been noticed. He may not have set the world alight but he has been the glue that has bonded a fine South African team. His set piece work has been of the highest order and has been a useful battering ram when the situation has required such an approach. 7.5
Mark Regan: Along with Shaw the nuggety Bristol hooker has really impressed in the latter stages of the World Cup. Brought in against Australia for his hard-edged approach he has revelled in the tight game England have adopted so well. 7
Loosehead:
Os du Randt: Big Os has turned back the years once again in France. As solid as his name suggests he has anchored the Springbok scrum to great effect. He may lack some mobility but has been a vital component in the tight exchanges. 7.5
Andrew Sheridan: The man mountain that is Sheridan has almost single-handedly taken opposition packs to pieces, none more so than Australia's. Has come to life in the last two games with stellar displays of scrummaging and ball carrying. 8
The Final Scores:
South Africa: As a team they have proved they are worthy finalists, even if they have had an easier route than expected. They still had to beat the teams put in front of them, and they did so playing some fine rugby on the way. 115 from 150
England: Two games in and it seemed as if England could struggle to make it to the knockout stages. Five weeks on and they are in the final. It may not have been the most aesthetically pleasing rugby to watch but it has been mighty effective. 111 from 150
So there you have it, the ratings suggest a South African win, providing each player continues to perform to the same levels they have done thus far. All that remains is to see who comes to the party and who is left with little to cheer about.
By Marcus Leach
