How the final could play out

TOKYO: Expected tactics of England and South Africa in tonight’s Rugby World Cup final at Yokohama International Stadium:

England

Speed, pace, urgency, quickness of thought and deed, and selectivity in when to engage in the physical battle.

England had all of that against New Zealand and will need it again to knock South Africa off its stride in the final.

England’s speed of recycling, a result of Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Maro Itoje and Co sprinting into rucks, meant New Zealand’s defence was scrambling by the time playmakers George Ford and Owen Farrell were fizzing passes left and right.

England’s try after 97 seconds provided half a dozen examples of quick ball, rugby’s holy grail, but the sweeping move retained its pace because the likes of hooker Jamie George and prop Kyle Sinckler did not slow it down when they got involved.

England will want more of that tonight, working the big South Africans back and forth, and then penetrating the gaps when they appear.

The Englishmen will back themselves to deal with the aerial assault they know is coming.

Wingers Jonny May and Anthony Watson have shown themselves brave and effective jumpers, while fullback Elliot Daly knows this is the day when he will have to prove the doubters wrong over that aspect of his game.

George Ford will also be bracing himself for the most important defensive test of his career. Coach Eddie Jones has backed him to stand his ground, however, resisting any temptation to return to the meatier midfield option he went for in the quarterfinal with Owen Farrell at 10.

South Africa

The Springboks have pretty much reverted to what has worked for them for decades. Orchestrating the system are first five Handre Pollard and halfback Faf de Klerk, a bundle of energy poised at the back of an immovable ruck waiting to send yet another kick high into the sky. Then the pace of outside backs Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi and the hyperdangerous Cheslin Kolbe give chase to put receivers under pressure.

Centres Lukhanyo Am and Damian de Allende are more from the ‘‘through rather than around’’ school of centres but Springboks’ hopes of victory probably depend more on Pollard kicking penalties than his fellow backs running in tries. — Reuters