England dominate my combined team from the two finalists – particularly the pack

I did not expect to be picking only three South Africans in this combined XV but teams are built on combinations.

In fact, I have gone for England’s entire pack lock stock and barrel after last weekend’s display against New Zealand. I also strongly considered George Ford at 10. I think he would probably make the team of the tournament as things stand, but I like Owen Farrell at 10 and I had to have a few South Africans in my team! This side would pose a genuine threat all over the field.

Elliot Daly can find space on the edges while Cheslin Kolbe can create something out of nothing, breaking up play and getting his team on the front foot. A tricky customer, much like Jonny May.

Manu Tuilagi has been England’s missing piece of the jigsaw and would form a formidable partnership with South Africa’s Damian de Allende, who gets his team over the gain-line.

Faf de Klerk is my final South African. The engine and driving force for this team. A threat in the short channels. Hugely competitive and capable of accelerating the Springboks’ game.

England’s front row are dictating where they play and how they play. Maro Itoje has taken his game to another level and his performance against the All Blacks was ridiculous. Courtney Lawes has risen to the challenge.

I strongly considered Eben Etzebeth at lock, Pieter-steph du Toit at flanker and Duane Vermuelen at No 8. But ultimately, I didn’t see much sense breaking up England’s second row or back row partnerships. Like Michael Hooper and David Pocock, you cannot now pick Tom Curry without Sam Underhill. Such is the effectiveness of their partnership.

Billy Vunipola arguably hasn’t had his big performance yet. What better time to have it?