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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