England face their date with destiny on Saturday night when they meet South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final in a repeat of the showcase encounter 12 years ago.
On that occasion, the Springboks ran out victors to end England’s reign as world champion from 2003 clinch their second World Cup success, which at the time made them only the second side to achieve the feat before New Zealand’s era of dominance began four years later.
But England have the chance to avenge that defeat, albeit with a new crop of exciting and talented young players who could etch their names into rugby folklore if they are to become the nation’s second Rugby World Cup-winning team.
They also go into the final off the back of arguably their most impressive victory of all nine World Cups following the 19-7 dismantling of reigning champions New Zealand in the semi-final, having beaten the All Blacks for the first time in seven years.
But the Springboks themselves came through a hard-fought contest to reach the main event, beating Wales 19-16 in the hope that they can join New Zealand as three-time world champions.
Unsurprisingly, this week will see the most important team selections from Eddie Jones and Rassie Erasmus of the tournament, with both coaches facing difficult decisions on whether to stick or twist for the biggest game of their careers.
Click through the gallery to see the team we’d select to carry England home to World Cup glory.
