Thursday, October 18, 2007

SOUTH AFRICA PENPIX FOR THE FINAL

South African penpix for World Cup final with England at the Stade de France on Sunday (kick-off 1900 GMT) (age-caps):

Percy Montgomery 33-93

Dashing fullback, whose Hollywood film star look belies a brilliant running and kicking game. Has the chance to make up for double World Cup disappointment of losing 1999 semi and missing 2003 edition because of suspension.

JP Pietersen 21-14

Has emerged from Bryan Habana's shadow here and shown he is as effective a finisher as him. Jake White highlighted him as being potentially a star of the tournament and thus far has been proved right.

Jaque Fourie 24-36

Bustling centre, tough tackler but also a fairly prolific try scorer and can show up on either wing. Quick-thinking opportunistic try against Tonga exemplified his form at the tournament.

Francois Steyn 20-15

The young star has shown no nerves here and is a superb kicker from long range, either with drop goals or penalties. Slightly let down by temperament and was yellow-carded against Tonga.

Bryan Habana 24-34

Closing in on all-time Springbok tryscoring record. The descendant of Spanish ancestors has much more to his game than just pure speed, thinks on his feet and outfoxes opponents regularly with jinking runs and brilliant chips which he then collects and touches down as he did against Argentina.

Butch James 28-25

Has been one of Springboks unsung heroes here. Toned down mightily on his former trademark of rash and high tackles and has played with calm authority, kicking when necessary, but also opening up the backs as well.

Fourie du Preez 25-37

Has lived up to his reputation of being the best scrum-half in the world, especially when he terrorised England the first time round. Made a remarkable comeback from injury last season and looks set to rival Joost van der Westhuizen as the 'Boks best ever scrum-half.

Dannie Roussouw 29-30

Hard as nails No 8, who took some serious knocks against the Tongans. Solid tackler and not bad runner with the ball either and was deservedly named man of the match in the semi-final with Argentina.

Juan Smith 26-40

Perhaps the most impressive of the 'Boks back row in the tournament, both in close and open play and has scored several excellent tries. Tarnished his image somewhat with yellow card in semi-final for high tackle.

Schalk Burger 24-37

Has not been as impressive as expected, a two match ban hardly helped after the opening win over Samoa. Still waiting for the big game from him, though, there were signs of him returning to his best in his performance against Argentina.

Victor Matfield 30-66

Truly outstanding World Cup, as one would expect from probably the finest lock to have come out of South African rugby. As good running and passing the ball as in the lineout. Formidable competitor.

Bakkies Botha 28-43

About as good as Matfield in the World Cup and that says it all.

CJ van der Linde 27-46

His burly look hides a speedy tryscoring prop. 'Boks will hope he has fully recovered from his knee problem, because he faces a tough time against the England front row.

John Smit 29-73

Another to have had a very good tournament, who knows all the tricks and more in the book. Outstanding captain, who has done more than anyone to learn the hard lessons from the 2003 debacle, when he was mostly a replacement.

Os du Randt 35-79

Legendary prop and would emulate Aussies like John Eales were he to win a second World Cup. Still one of the best at his job even at 35, as he has proved thusfar here, but Sunday may test his ageing limbs too far.

Replacements: Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Johannes Muller, Wickus van Heerden, Ruan Pienaar, Andre Pretorius, Wynand Olivier

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