KEY POINTS:
Bruised and battered after their World Cup semifinal defeat at the hands of England, France's players are throwing their weight behind the Springboks in Sunday's final.
But the hosts insist that, despite having lost to their bitterest rivals at the semifinal stage for the second tournament in succession, it is not a case of sour grapes.
They believe a South African win is vital for the health of the sport in general, and the World Cup in particular, with the English side having come under fire for their reliance on force rather than flair.
"I hope with all my heart that South Africa will win the World Cup," said France first five-eighths Frederic Michalak who will play his club rugby with South African Super 14 franchise the Sharks next season.
"Not because I am going to play there, but because their style of play is more spectacular than England."
Defending champions England have reached the final with the lowest points average per match in the 20-year history of the tournament.
They have managed just 22.33 points per game; South Africa have racked up 43.83.
However, statistics sometimes count for little in the final. In 1995, the All Blacks made the final on the back of an average of 63 points a match.
But on the day they still lost 15-12 to South Africa with Joel Stransky kicking all the points for the champions.
"I have a liking for South Africa. They have tried to play some rugby," said France winger Aurelien Rougerie.
"If the English win two titles in a row ... " sighed the 25-year-old without completing his sentence.
"We still have a grudge and some bitterness towards the English."
France skipper Raphael Ibanez, who will play his 98th and probably final test in tomorrow's bronze medal match against Argentina, has risked the wrath of his English clubmates at Wasps by also backing the Boks.
"Speaking from the heart I think South Africa has been up there, consistent and productive," said Ibanez.
"I'll be going back to training with Wasps soon, and it will be hard to see my teammates. I'll have to deal with it."
AFP
