PARIS, 16 October - England second rows Ben Kay and Simon Shaw realise their performances against South Africa on Saturday will be critical in deciding the destination of the Webb Ellis Cup.
The will face Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield, widely regarded as the world's best second-row combination, one forged through 35 Tests for the Springboks.
"They don't give you much space to win your own ball," Kay said. "They are very effective on their own ball. It's not complicated but they have very athletic jumpers, know who's going in the air and get them in the air."
Kay, a member of the winning RWC 2003 team, knows that if England are to retain their crown, they must improve on their mixed line-out performance in the semi-final against France.
"That's an area they (South Africa) look to dominate matches in. We'll have step up and probably look to compete a bit harder in the air than we did against the French."
Topsy-turvy journey
Kay spoke highly of counterpart Matfield.
"I've never had a problem with Victor. He's a player I admire greatly. He's competitive but after the final whistle he's a great guy."
For Shaw, a non-playing reserve in 2003, it has been a topsy-turvy journey to the final since his debut in 2006, something not helped by being in the shadow of winning RWC 2003 captain Martin Johnson.
"It's a dream," he said. "I'm a bit surprised. A few months ago I didn't really believe I'd get here, let alone be playing in the final. I am delighted to have played a role to get us here."
Kay said he hoped Shaw would bring to the final the physicality he has often shown for London Wasps against his own team, Leicester Tigers.
"I know when Leicester play Wasps he (Shaw) is the player probably in the forwards we worry about most, so it's great to build up a relationship out on the pitch where he's not trying to knock the hell out me."
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