FRANCE: RUGBY UNION: Atmosphere builds ahead of Rugby World Cup final in Paris between England and South Africa

There is a great atmosphere building in Paris as South Africa and England rugby supporters congregate at bars across the city ahead of the world cup final, with friendly rivalry and banter common. Many followers of defending champions England are passing the time watching highlights -- screened in local pubs on a continuous loop -- of their side's semi-final victory over France, cheering loudly each time Jonny Wilkinson's winning penalty and drop goal was shown. Thoughts on the result were divided. "32 for South Africa and 13 to England", said one female South Africa fan, as she was derided by her England-supporting friend. Some English and South African fans were in high spirits taking part in a friendly pre-match scrum after which an Englishman decided: "I think your guys are going to lose discipline and give away penalties and that's were we are going to win it." England have already met the Springboks in France in the pool stage, losing 36-0 victory, but have improved considerably since then; the South Africans still go into the Paris encounter as favourites.

ITN Source | October 21, 2007

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