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Mike Catt: Just gets better with age
The week turns into days and the days into hours; the highly-anticipated World Cup final between England and South Africa is fast approaching us.
England are no strangers to World Cup finals and took the spoils in 2003 just like their opponents for Saturday's showdown did in 1995.
While England have struck upon a winning formula only at this World Cup, Sir Clive Woodward's men arrived at the 2003 tournament on the crest of a wave.
Join us as we outline the wars of the roses!
15: Josh Lewsey v Jason Robinson
Former army officer against a former rugby league player.
Lewsey was on top of his game in the 2003 final and provided a solid all-round defensive presence at full-back. As far as talent, speed, power and dedication go - Lewsey had it all.
Robinson has remained one of the few consistent players in the 2007 World Cup. Despite getting a hamstring injury in the pool clash against South Africa, he showed tremendous character to recover and give another two superb performances against Australia and France.
Head to head in a final: Robinson lacks the boot of a full-back, while Lewsey gained tremendous territorial advantage when required to do so. Although quick off the mark, Robinson's pace has also toned down a bit, something Lewsey has never lost.
Winner: Josh Lewsey
14: Jason Robinson v Paul Sackey
Billy Whiz against the dreadlocked speed freak.
Robinson, who scored the only try for England in the 2003 final, offers the magical ability to conjure something from nothing. Back then in a one-on-one situation he was considered unstoppable
Sackey has been one of England's big success stories and will pounce on half a chance. The Wasps winger has always been a devastating runner with a nose for the try-line
Head to head in a final: Sackey's defensive frailties and occasional indecision making will leave him worse for wear against Robinson, who doesn't think twice before making his darting runs through the strongest wall of defence.
Winner: Jason Robinson
13: Mike Tindall v Mathew Tait
Your almost royal centre against an opponent's royal pain in the behind.
Tindall boasted power and physical presence in the English midfield and wasn't nicknamed 'The Fridge' for nothing. Perhaps lacked imagination and playmaker ability.
Tait injects lightning pace into the backs and is certainly one for the future. However, had it not been for a broken leg suffered by Tindall before the World Cup - Tait perhaps would not even be taking part in Saturday's final.
Head to head in a final: Tait has played as if he's been around for years, but with just 16 caps to his name, this time two years ago the toughest test the Newcastle star was facing was his A-levels.
Winner: Mike Tindall
12: Will Greenwood v Mike Catt
Greenwood is credited with being the brains behind England's back division in 2003. Some senior citizens may think that at 6 foot 4 inches and over 15 stones, this chap should be in the second row! He finished the tournament as joint top try scorer with five touchdowns.
Catt is England's second playmaker and takes the heat off Jonny Wilkinson. His superior kicking skills, priceless experience and sound leadership qualities have made him an invaluable member of the squad - all this at 36-years of age.
Head to head in a final: Who said you can't teach a dog - or a Catt for that matter - new tricks? Catt is like a fine red wine that keeps getting better with age. He kicked the ball in to touch for the final whistle seeing England become champions in 2003, will he be doing it again on Saturday?
Winner: Mike Catt
11: Ben Cohen v Mark Cueto
"Big Ben" against not-so-big Mark.
Cohen boasted a reputation for being one of the world's best wingers four years ago. His 'never say die' approach was there for the world to see in all but one of England's World Cup matches in 2003.
Cueto gets his chance following Josh Lewsey's injury and is also proven try-scorer and has always been a thorn in the Springboks' side whenever he has played against them.
Head to head in a final: A lack of game time for Cueto will work in Cohen's favour on this occasion. On Cohen's 2003 form, "Big Ben" would still have still ticked Cueto right off.
Winner: Ben Cohen
10: Jonny Wilkinson 2003 v Jonny Wilkinson 2007
Wilko against Wilko OBE.
The 2003 Jonny Wilkinson can be summed up in three words: World Cup winner.
The 2007 Jonny Wilkinson remains the talisman for England and has proven yet again that the team are less of a force without him.
Head to head in a final: Injuries have restricted Wilkinson to just 12 Tests since the 2003 final. As the 2007 World Cup wounds down, Wilkinson is slowly winding up. Though his missed kicks at goal have raised a few eyebrows for Mr Perfectionist's standards.
Winner: Jonny Wilkinson 2003
9: Matt Dawson v Andy Gomarsall
World Cup prince against World Cup pauper.
Dawson set the standard in 2003 and teed up Wilkinson for the match-winning drop-goal. Best known for his trademark 'sniping runs' and played the whistle well, often scoring tries from 'tap and go' penalties. When called upon, he could also demonstrate his versatility by kicking goals.
Gomarsall has been one of England's key men at this World Cup and is enjoying the form of his life. It was his kick down the touchline that enabled Josh Lewsey to score 5 points against France - the eventual winning margin for England that sent them to the final against South Africa.
Head to head in a final: Gomarsall is currently enjoying a fairy-tale run at the moment after almost getting lost in the rugby wilderness. Tough call this one, but Dawson may just have the edge not only with his play, but with his banter as well.
Winner: Matt Dawson
8: Lawrence Dallaglio v Nick Easter
English veteran against English potential veteran.
Dallaglio was England's talisman in 2003 and played every minute of every game. Passionate player who plays with plenty of heart as well as brute strength.
Nick Easter has been in impressive form through the tournament and has outmuscled Dallaglio to call the number eight position his own.
Head to head in a final: Purely based on Dallaglio's run in 2003, Lol just makes the cut. Though, just like Ashton has done, we'll pick Easter over the Wasps loose forward any other day.
Winner: Lawrence Dallaglio
7: Neil Back v Lewis Moody
Short Tiger against taller Tiger.
Back was arguably the best openside flanker in the world in 2003. The Leicester star blew away every opposition he came up against - it's true when they say dynamite comes in small packages.
Moody's physical and committed approach to the breakdown has made the difference for England at this World Cup. Flankers need pace, agility and lots of power - Moody has all of this.
Head to head in a final: Moody is proving his worth with every game he has been playing, but Back didn't need to prove anything to anyone - true talent and one of England's true greats.
Winner: Neil Back
6: Richard Hill v Martin Corry
The real deal against forwards yeoman.
Hill only played the semi-final and final four years ago because of injury, but he proved in those two games why he was considered one of the best in the world.
Corry's courage and his 110 per cent effort in an England shirt has won over many fans. His leadership skills are not to be taken for granted either.
Head to head in a final: Corry will never shy away from a challenge, but any betting man would put their house on Hill coming out in better shape in this exciting duel.
Winner: Richard Hill
5: Ben Kay 2003 v Ben Kay 2007
Kay 2003 confirmed his status as a core part of the England squad in the World Cup when he played every minute of every game except the game against Uruguay.
Kay 2007 suffered a major slump in form after 2003 but has rediscovered his best at just the right time. Kay has not missed a single minute of action at this World Cup.
Head to head in a final: Well, as long as Kay 2007 doesn't drop another ball with the tryline gaping, he should have no trouble this time round.
Winner: Kay 2007
4: Martin Johnson v Simon Shaw
Captain Fantastic against fantastic form.
Johnson, who has been called 'arguably England's greatest ever player' was known for his strong leadership and "no-nonsense" approach to the game
Shaw is a dynamic lock with the hands of a centre and has been one of England's star performers at this World Cup.
Head to head in a final: Shaw is on the fast track to great things if he continues to put in big performances, but is just no match for Johnson.
Winner: Martin Johnson
3: Phil Vickery 2003 v Phil Vickery 2007
British Bulldog against a matured British Bulldog
Vickey was one of the best scrummagers in the game four years ago and nothing has changed.
Vickery 2007 ate Matt Dunning for lunch and made life very difficult for Oliver Milloud and the rest of the French pack. Nobody really thought the Wasps hooker would even be here, let alone captain his country, after fighting back from a series back operations.
Head to head in a final: Vickery's leadership in 2007 has been central to England's rejuvenation.
Winner: Vickery 2007
2: Steve Thompson v Mark Regan
Thompson's size and power made him a major force to be reckoned with on the world stage.
Regan is full of passion, determination and guts, epitomising everything about England at this World Cup.
Head to head in a final: With the Wallabies and Springboks begging the match officials to keep a closer eye on Regan in their respective matches, this is a quality player to keep the opposition's blood boiling.
Winner: Mark Regan
1: Trevor Woodman v Andrew Sheridan
Woodman was a mobile and athletic loose-head. When he was firing, he was unstoppable. Had the ability to knock even the biggest of tacklers backwards.
Sheridan is powerful and destructive and could give England a huge advantage on Saturday by getting the better of CJ van der Linde. Man of the match against Australia in the quarter-final, Sheridan took the Wallaby scrum to pieces.
Head to head in a final: Sheridan can take on an eight-man scrum single-handedly and still not budge. Plus he probably has a bigger six-pack than Woodman ever dreamed of.
Winner: Andrew Sheridan
Totals:
2003 England XV: 10
2007 England XV: 5
So there you have it folks, the heroes of 2007 appear to be no match for the 2003 finalists - even with a number of the same members still in the team! I guess it's just a matter of time - 80 minutes to be precise - until we find out the true worth of the 2007 English roses.
But if the two teams had to join forces and take on the South Africans in Saturday's World Cup final, it will look a little something like this...
England: 15 Josh Lewsey (2003), 14 Jason Robinson (2003), 13 Mike Tindall, 12 Mike Catt (2007), 11 Ben Cohen, 10 Jonny Wilkinson (2003), 9 Matt Dawson, 8 Larwence Dallaglio (2003), 7 Neil Back, 6 Richard Hill, 5 Ben Kay (2007), 4 Martin Johnson (c), 3 Phil Vickery (2007), 2 Mark Regan, 1 Andrew Sheridan
Replacements: 16 Steve Thompson, 17 Tony Woodcock, 18 Simon Shaw, 19 Martin Corry, 20 Andy Gomarsall, 21 Mathew Tait, 22 Mark Cueto
By Dave Morris
