England vs South Africa: Six key players to watch in the Rugby World Cup final

Both sides boost a number of world-class stars who will have a crucial role to play during what will no doubt be a tense and tight showdown

All eyes turn to Yokohama on Saturday morning as England attempt to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the second time in their history.

Standing in their way are the Springboks, a side that has muscled its way into the final of the Rugby World Cup through a combination of raw physicality and watertight defensive play.

Eddie Jones’ side head into the encounter as marginal favourites, having delivered what has been described as one of the all-time great World Cup performances to beat reigning champions New Zealand 19-7 in the semi-finals.

South Africa in contrast, came through a gritty arm wrestle with Wales, winning 19-16, to book their place in the last two.

Both sides boost a number of world-class stars who will have a crucial role to play during what will no doubt be a tense and tight showdown. Here, we take a look at the key men:

Maro Itoje

The lock was a colossus force of destruction in the win over New Zealand, asserting himself with impunity and intelligence at the line-out and breakdown.

England will be drawing on him for a similar display against a huge Springboks pack. If the Saracens man can successfully ruffle some of his opponents’ feathers and disrupt their usual set-piece dominance, then South Africa may find themselves struggling to establish the foundations for their wider game plan across the pitch. A life-changing 80 minutes beckon for Itoje.

Faf de Klerk

The box-kicking, sniping, free-rolling maestro has been routinely described as South Africa’s secret weapon. But after a series of impressive performances at this World Cup, there’s no hiding the brilliance encapsulated in the scrum-half.

England will be fully aware of the threat posed by De Klerk, but keeping him quiet is another matter. So much revolves around the nine. His ability to speed up or slow down the pace of play will be vital for the Springboks, as will his eye for stealing precious metres when opponents least expect it. Even after the tournament he’s had, you expect (or fear) that there’s more to come from the diminutive South African.

Faf de Klerk has been superb at this World Cup (Getty Images)

George Ford

‘Dropped’ against Australia – not that Eddie Jones would call it that – before being restored for the win over New Zealand, George Ford has once again been entrusted with guiding the ship in what will be the biggest game of his life.

The fly-half isn’t renowned for flamboyance or flair, but that’s not what is needed for this final. Precision, calm, composure, poise, confidence with the boot – these are qualities which Ford has in abundance, and the sort which will bring out the best of his more destructive, more creative teammates. If he gets the basics right, England will be primed to take the fight to South Africa.

Cheslin Kolbe

The star winger is back in action after missing the semi-final win over Wales due to injury. Kolbe has been reaping havoc all tournament long, punishing opponents with his super-human pace and dizzying feet work.

England will have their hands full in keeping him under wraps. If he’s given the space and time to switch on the burners, then Jones’ side could find themselves in danger. Keeping him quiet and nullifying the threat he poses will be of the utmost importance for the English defence.

Owen Farrell

England’s leader on the pitch, this a match that Owen Farrell will have been dreaming of since he first picked up a rugby ball. Although his playing duties will be just as important in Saturday’s final, it’s his role as captain that Farrell needs to nail to perfection.

The suffocating pressure of a Rugby World Cup will make for conditions that none of these England players have experienced before. It’s Farrell’s responsibility to guide his men through such an atmosphere by setting the tone through his own play, by lifting spirits in spells of adversity, by pushing his teammates to the limits of their capabilities. More than anyone else, Farrell will feel the weight of expectation resting heavy on his shoulders.

Owen Farrell and George Ford both have vital roles to play on Sunday (Getty)

Duane Vermeulen

The eight embodies the raw physicality of this South African side. The sight of him steam-rolling Welsh prop Tomas Francis, no shrinking violet, last weekend was a telling reminder of what he’s capable of.

Although the English defence held firm against the All Blacks last week, Vermeulen is likely to pose a very different threat. If he’s successful in repeatedly breaking the gain line, Jones’ tactics – however they look – may struggle to come to fruition. Although he’s just one of the many towering Springboks to keep an eye on, it feels like Vermeulen has the ability to be particularly destructive.

Teams

England XV: Elliot Daly, Anthony Watson, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell (captain), Jonny May, George Ford, Ben Youngs; Billy Vunipola, Sam Underhill, Tom Curry, Courtney Lawes, Maro Itoje, Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George, Mako Vunipola.

Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Joe Marler, Dan Cole, George Kruis, Mark Wilson, Ben Spencer, Henry Slade, Jonathan Joseph.

South Africa XV: Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk; Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Tendai Mtawarira.

Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Franco Mostert, Francois Louw, Herschel Jantjies, Frans Steyn.