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PARIS - English and South African fans soaked up the bright Parisian sunshine today ahead of a final that will give one of the sides its second rugby World Cup title.
Fears that a rail strike might disrupt the final look groundless and both Paris public transport authority RATP and rail operator SNCF said that services would be running normally for the match at the Stade de France.
Brilliantly sunny autumn weather also helped lift the spirits of supporters pouring off the morning Eurostar train from London or sitting in pavement cafes.
In the red light district of Pigalle, much tamer in the daylight than at night, Lord Nelson, a Beefeater and a man in a bowler hat drew bemused looks from passers-by as a colourful English contingent gathered outside the area's Irish pubs.
But not far off, Rob Etchells, visiting from Durban with his wife, was confident that flying Springbok wing Bryan Habana would see off the English and bring back a title won by South Africa in 1995.
"I think it'll be a very tight game but once Habana gets the ball, it's a done deal," he said, sipping a pint of beer before adding cautiously: "But we're not taking anything for granted. England are still world champions."
England have made their detractors eat humble pie since they were written off as no-hopers after being hammered 36-0 by the Springboks in a pool game.
Even their most devoted supporters, however, fear they have a mountain to climb to beat South Africa.
Clad in a white England shirt and draped in a cross of St George, Paul Crowther from London appeared doubtful at first but finally ready to count on the experience and spirit of the champions.
"You want the truth?" he said, when asked for a forecast. "Well, you've got to be optimistic and we've got that English bulldog spirit."
Crowther was in Sydney four years ago to see first five-eighths Jonny Wilkinson kick England to victory over Australia in the final. He bet odds of 28/1 for a second successive England triumph but whatever the result, he said he was determined to enjoy the day.
"We're very excited, it's a beautiful day, Paris is a fantastic city", he said.
"England to win by six points."
- REUTERS
