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Rugby World Cup | Third Place Playoff
Nov 2, 2019 at 9am UK
 
England
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South Africa
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Mapimpi (67'), Kolbe (74')

Owen Farrell insists England will throw everything into World Cup final

Owen Farrell insists England will throw everything into World Cup final
© Reuters
Only South Africa stand between England and the Webb Ellis Trophy.

Owen Farrell expects his England team-mates to seize their opportunity to realise their boyhood dreams by emptying the tanks in Saturday's World Cup final.

South Africa stand between Eddie Jones' side and the Webb Ellis Trophy as the sport's top two teams prepare to face off at International Stadium Yokohama in a repeat of the 2007 showpiece.

In recognition of how tight the contest could be – England are favourites but the Springboks have the firepower to cause mayhem up front and in midfield – Farrell was on Friday practising drop goals under the guidance of Jonny Wilkinson.

As the extra-time architect of Australia's downfall in the 2003 final, Wilkinson's counsel has been sought on the eve of a seismic clash between rivals who are tied at 2-2 in meetings over the last 18 months.

And Farrell has echoed Jones' mantra of approaching the match with "no fear" by offering all-out commitment in the climax to the first Asian World Cup.

"Everybody wants to be involved in this game and there are probably a lot of people who grew up wanting to be involved in this," Farrell said.

"Now this opportunity has come around, you want to enjoy it, you want to go for it.

"You don't want to dip your toe in and see what happens, you want to throw all of yourself into it and that's the way that we'll look to go about it.

Rugby World Cup final key battles
Rugby World Cup final key battles (PA Graphics)

"There are a lot of lads who have a good feel for where the group is and we'll be open enough to feel what's needed before the game.

"We'll let that happen and hopefully prepare in a way that allows us to throw ourselves into it and be free."

England enter the repeat of the 2007 final with a good luck message from Prince Harry that included a photo of his son Archie in a Red Rose jersey and a warning from Jones to be ready for anything.

South Africa's Rassie Erasmus steps down after the World Cup and Jones is an admirer of a coach he describes as "cunning".

"Rassie's a very good coach, he's an outstanding coach. He's inventive, so they'll have a few tricks up their sleeve," Jones said.

Rugby World Cup team of the tournament
Rugby World Cup team of the tournament (PA Graphics)

"They've got great players: Faf De Klerk has probably been the half-back of the tournament so far and Willie Le Roux is a fantastic player at full-back.

"And they've got talent like Cheslin Kolbe on the wing, so we're expecting the unexpected.

"We've just got to focus on each moment and play with no fear. What I feel is that the squad know how hard they're going to have to work to win the game.

"They know South Africa aren't going to give us the game. They also know we've got to go out there and win the game.

"We've been nicely building over four years and this is our opportunity on Saturday to put it all together. One last chance."

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George Kruis in action for England on March 9, 2019
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Pool A

TeamPWDLFAPDTFTAPTS
Q
F
  France
44002103217827518
Q
N
  New Zealand
43012534720638415
3
I
  Italy
4202114181-67152410
4
U
  Uruguay
410365164-998215
5
N
  Namibia
400437255-2183370

Pool B

TeamPWDLFAPDTFTAPTS
Q
I
  Ireland
44001904614427519
Q
S
  South Africa
43011513411721415
3
S
  Scotland
42021467175211010
4
T
  Tonga
410396177-8113255
5
R
  Romania
400432287-2554420

Pool C

TeamPWDLFAPDTFTAPTS
Q
W
  Wales
4400143598417819
Q
F
  Fiji
4202888359911
3
A
  Australia
42029091-111811
4
P
  Portugal
411264103-398136
5
G
  Georgia
401364113-497143

Pool D

TeamPWDLFAPDTFTAPTS
Q
E
  England
44001503911147318
Q
A
  Argentina
4301127695815514
3
J
  Japan
4202109107212449
4
S
  Samoa
41039275171177
5
C
  Chile
400427215-1884300


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