Thursday, October 18, 2007

ENGLAND PENPIX FOR THE FINAL

Penpix of the England starting XV for the World Cup final against South Africa at the Stade de France Saturday:

Jason Robinson (Age: 33; Caps: 50)

Elusive runner whose ability to evade the first tackle can make him a dangerous opponent. The scorer of England's only try in the 2003 final, the former rugby league international is set to retire after Saturday's match.

Paul Sackey (Age: 27; Caps: 9)

Scored two tries in both of England's World Cup wins over Tonga and Samoa after coming late to international rugby - he only made his debut in November.

Mathew Tait (Age: 21; Caps: 18)

Dumped on his backside by Wales's Gavin Henson on England debut in 2005 when still a teenager and then dropped, he has fought his way back. Yet to show full range of talents on world stage.

Mike Catt (Age: 36, Caps: 74)

Recalled several times in a 13-year international career, he made the most of Andy Farrell's injury when brought back for the quarter-final against Australia. Shrewd playmaker who has proved to be calm in pressure situations.

Mark Cueto (Age: 27; Caps: 23)

Hasn't featured since the Pool match over Tonga, he has been given another chance following Josh Lewsey's tournament-ending hamstring in the semi-final win over France.

Jonny Wilkinson (Age: 28; Caps: 64)

Talismanic fly-half who, as well as being England's leading points scorer, during this tournament went to the top of the World Cup scoring charts. Come through a wretched run of injuries since landing winning drop-goal in 2003 final but has looked fallible with goalkicking in France.

Andy Gomarsall (Age: 33; Caps: 32)

England's third choice scrum-half when they arrived, the bubbly No 9 has forced his way back in, having been left without a club at the end of last season, and has been increasingly influential in the knockout stages.

Nick Easter (Age: 29; Caps: 11)

In space of three years gone from second division rugby to England No 8, forcing former captain and World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio onto the bench.

Lewis Moody (Age: 29; Caps: 51)

Switched between openside and blindside flanker during a stop-start Test career, he is renowned for having little regard for personal safety and an all-action approach although composure can occasionally go astray.

Martin Corry (Age: 34; Caps: 63)

Former captain, he led the side in France when Phil Vickery was suspended. Increasingly effective at doing the 'donkey-work' associated with the blindside flanker role.

Ben Kay (Age: 31; Caps: 52)

Dropped a pass during the 2003 World Cup final which would have spared England agony of extra-time. Team will look to him to organise lineout.

Simon Shaw (Age: 34; Caps: 42)

The nearly man of English rugby after missing out on the 1995, 1999 and 2003 World Cups, he has finally managed to convince a Test coach of his worth having been a second row mainstay of Wasps's trophy-winning teams.

Phil Vickery (Age: 31; Caps: 59)

Nicknamed 'Raging Bull', the tighthead faces a tough battle in anchoring the scrum against South Africa. Missed Pool match against the Springboks through suspension. One of four members of the 2003 final starting line-up in this XV.

Mark Regan (Age: 35; Caps: 42)

Veteran hooker, he is known for his hard, 'streetwise' approach and for plenty of verbal sparring with his opponents.

Andrew Sheridan (Age: 28; Caps: 19)

Brilliant performance in the scrum against the Wallabies, the 19st (122 kg) forward hasn't always fared so well against teams such as South Africa who are renowned for their forward power.

Replacements: George Chuter, Matt Stevens, Lawrence Dallaglio, Joe Worsley, Peter Richards, Toby Flood, Danny Hipkiss

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