The city of Yokohama will be the battleground for the repeat of the 2007 final which was played in Paris, France.

The difference this time around is that 12 years ago the English slipped into the final through the backdoor, but now they are considered as the favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy for a second time.

The Boks are on the brink of becoming just the second team to win the World Cup for a third time, and if they are successful they will become the first time to claim the honours without a hundred per cent record in the tournament.

The Springboks had to grind to a victory against Wales in the semi-finals, while England was in a class of their own against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Although South Africa has had one less day to prepare, the English did have to beat the Wallabies and All Blacks before squaring off against the Springboks.

South Africa had to eliminate Japan and Wales which was marginally perhaps the easier route.

The Springbok coach, Rassie Erasmus, who stated that they will be changing very little for the final, expects the English to come at them with a very physical approach.

“I expected a very well-coached England team, a fit team with a great tactical plan and then obviously the same physicality that they brought against New Zealand, which was just next level.

“They must be brimming with confidence.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen an England team pitch up with that amount of physicality and I’m sure they are ready to bring that same intensity.

“We have to be really up for it to try and match that.”

At this stage, it would appear the only change to the Springbok match squad will be on the wing with Cheslin Kolbe coming back into the mix after recovering from his ankle injury. England do have injuries and this has seen the scrumhalf, Ben Spencer, come in for the injured Willi Heinz.

Saturdays’ World Cup final between England and the Springboks in Yokohama kicks off at 11:00.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport