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DateLine Wednesday, 17 October 2007

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White plays down Springboks favouritism

The Springboks' team are virtually the only South Africans dismissing their billing as favourites to beat title holders England and win the World Cup at the Stade de France on Saturday.

The Springboks have already beaten England in the pool stage, although the defending champions have improved beyond recognition since that 36-0 mauling, and have a fully fit squad from which to pick their team whereas England have lost wing Josh Lewsey to injury.

"England must be favourites because this group of players won them the Rugby World Cup final," South Africa's coach Jake White said on Monday after his team had beaten surprise semi-finalists Argentina 37-13 on Sunday night.

South Africans jubilantly celebrated and predicted a second title after their 1995 triumph with a banner headline in the Johannesburg daily The Star saying "Cup glory beckons".

Lewsey, who also played in the 2003 final victory over Australia, was forced off with a hamstring tear near the end of the first half of England's 14-9 semi-final win over France on Saturday after scoring the game's only try in the second minute.

The winger was distraught at missing the final, saying: "In the last four years a lot of people have made a lot of sacrifices and there's been some testing times over the last couple of years.

"To come through that and miss the final is pretty devastating but the main thing is to win and no one will be happier than me if we win."

Lewsey's place in the squad will be taken by 21-year-old Bath fullback Nick Abendanon.

England will again base their game on a strong defence following their upset victories over Australia in the quarter-finals followed by a win over hosts France.

"Our defensive system was very good against France, I think it was our best-ever defence we've ever had in terms of stats," assistant coach Mike Ford told reporters on Monday.

France were unable to deal with that defence and will finish their home tournament playing against Argentina for third place on Friday in a repeat of the opening match on Oct. 7, which the Pumas won 17-12.

The French, the only team in the traditional top five not to have won the World Cup, believed that ruthless forwards, discipline and a kicking game could lead them to the title.

Against England they lacked the flashes of brilliance that helped them upset favourites New Zealand in the quarter-finals.

PARIS, Tuesday (Reuters)

 

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