England vs South Africa
2019 Rugby World Cup Final
Venue: International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama
Date: Saturday, 2 November, 2019
Kick-off: 9.00am BST
England and South Africa will contest a Rugby World Cup Final for the second time in 12 years after both advanced to Saturday's Yokohama showpiece.
Eddie Jones's men produced a titanic performance to dominate New Zealand, who hadn't lost a Rugby World Cup match since their quarter-final defeat to France a dozen years ago.
Meanwhile, the Springboks edged past Wales 19-16 to set up a mouth-watering shootout for the Webb Ellis Cup, with England the favourites to avenge their defeat on the grandest stage in world rugby in Paris in 2007.
That would mean a second world crown for the Red Rose following a Jonny Wilkinson-inspired success against Australia 16 years ago, while South Africa are battling for a third world title (1995, 2007).
Jones said: "We set out four years ago, and we wanted to be the best team in the world. We are not the best team in the world, but we have got an opportunity to play in a game to prove we are, and that is all we are concerned with.
"We will just take each day as it comes. We have got another week to enjoy it, and that is what we will do."
Team news
Ben Spencer is set to make his Rugby World Cup debut in the tournament's final after Willi Heinz was ruled out by a hamstring problem sustained against New Zealand.
Heinz came on in the 63rd minute of the stunning 19-7 semi-final victory over the All Blacks that has booked England a final berth against either South Africa or Wales on Saturday.
While the Gloucester half-back struggled on until the end, the Rugby Football Union has confirmed he will play no further part in the tournament and have summoned Spencer to Japan.
Saracens scrum-half Spencer has won three caps as a replacement and will perform the same role as deputy to Ben Youngs at International Stadium Yokohama.
England have a number of injury concerns ahead of the final with Owen Farrell and Jonny May nursing dead legs, while prop Kyle Sinckler has a calf issue.
Anthony Watson was able to finish the semi-final demolition of New Zealand but he received regular treatment during the game for an unspecified knock.
Meanwhile, Heinz will stay with the squad at their training base in Tokyo.
Score prediction: England 21-10 South Africa
Form goes out of the window on occasions such as these but England will be favourites going into the Final after sending the dominant back-toback champions packing - and in some style - on Saturday.
Eddie Jones's men must be disciplined, as they have been so far in the tournament, as Handre Pollard won't need a second invitation to punish them with the boot.
Betting tips via Betfair Exchange | UK users only | Subject to change
Match odds
- England to win: 4/7
- Draw: 26/1
- South Africa to win: 2/1
Click here to find the latest match odds and place a bet.
TV channel and live stream, and online coverage
The match will be televised live on ITV and ITV HD with build-up starting at 7:30am.
TV license payers can also stream the match online via the ITV website and the ITV Hub.
You can also follow all the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog with Will Macpherson in Yokohama.
Head to Head record and history (h2h)
These two sides have met on 42 previous occasions at Test level, with South Africa boastin 25 wins to England's 15.
There have been to draws. This will be their third meeting at a World Cup Finals, with South Africa winning three, including the 2007 Final.
