5 talking points ahead of the World Cup final
How will England cope with being favourite against South Africa and what does the future have in store for Eddie Jones?
England collide with South Africa in Saturday’s World Cup final at International Stadium Yokohama to bring down the curtain on Japan 2019.
Here the PA news agency examines five talking points heading into the climax to the ninth instalment of the tournament.
Judgement day
What next for Eddie?
Win or lose, Jones’ future serves as a fascinating subplot to events in Yokohama. The 59-year-old has flatly refused to engage on what lies ahead for a coach who is at the very top of his game. In reaching the final he has already exceeded the target needed to trigger the two-year extension agreed with Twickenham lasting until 2021, but there will now undoubtedly be moves to tie him down until the next World Cup in France. Rudderless Australia are a genuine alternative as Jones has unfinished business with the Wallabies and Michael Cheika has left his post, but with most of the current England team set to be around for France 2023 and the Rugby Football Union happy to give him the resources he needs – even at a time of austerity for the governing body – he will surely stay.
Fifty for Kolisi
Mind the back door
South Africa’s conservative tactics at the World Cup have been described as ‘anti-rugby’ and they have undoubtedly won few hearts and minds. They know their strengths – a monstrous pack, shrewd half-backs with wicked boots and a powerful inside centre. All evidence in Japan to date points to another forward-led assault, not least because of their six-two split between forwards and backs on the bench, but they played some quality rugby while winning this year’s Rugby Championship and Jones is ready for a daredevil ambush from their “cunning” coach Erasmus.
England’s to lose
