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Sunday, 14 October 2007, 21:17 GMT 22:17 UK

Springboks wary of England threat

South Africa lock Bakkies Botha congratulates Bryan Habana during their semi-final win over Argentina South Africa coach Jake White says his team's thrashing of England in the pool stages will count for nothing in the World Cup final next Saturday.

The Springboks, who beat Argentina 37-13 on Sunday to reach the final, crushed England 36-0 four weeks ago.

White said: "England played that Test without a fly-half. They lost Olly Barkley and Jonny Wilkinson that week.

"They are a different team with Jonny Wilkinson at 10 and obviously Mike Catt at 12. We must not write them off."

Wilkinson missed the Pool A match on 14 September because of injury but England have not lost since the fly-half returned to the team.

"We are really proud of our achievement but it is meaningless if we don't get a win next weekend"
Jake White

South Africa have an impressive recent record against England, winning the last four encounters dating back to the autumn internationals at Twickenham last November.

But White believes England will benefit from the experience the likes of Wilkinson and captain Phil Vickery gained from winning the World Cup four years ago.

"We have won the last four games against England but World Cup finals are different," he said.

"England have a lot of players who have played in a World Cup final. That experience is a massive advantage."

"We have achieved nothing so far. We are really proud of our achievement but it is meaningless if we don't get a win next weekend."

Captain John Smit also believes England will be dangerous opponents.

606: DEBATE
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Kenny

The hooker said: "England are proving a lot of people wrong in terms of winning this tournament.

"They have played World Cup-winning rugby in the last two matches and it has paid off for them.

"They've kicked in the right places, dropped goals at the right times and their forwards have done a good job which is a good formula to win games at a World Cup.

"There seems to be a good spirit amongst the players and they have done well to get respect and they all work for each other."



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Related to this story:

South Africa 37-13 Argentina (14 Oct 07 |  Rugby Union )
Wilkinson 'tougher than in 2003' (14 Oct 07 |  English )
Ashton targets historic final win (14 Oct 07 |  Rugby Union )
England 0-36 South Africa (14 Sep 07 |  English )
Rugby World Cup photos (14 Oct 07 |  Rugby Union )
Rugby union positions guide (05 Feb 07 |  Laws & Equipment )

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