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Jason Robinson admitted to mixed emotions before tomorrow's final against South Africa, his last match before retiring from competitive rugby, saying it would feel strange to step off the rugby "treadmill".
The England fullback, the defending champions' lone tryscorer in their 20-17 win over Australia in the 2003
final, is set to bring the curtain down on a 16-year career, which began in league and saw him represent Great Britain in that code.
"There's quite a lot of excitement. It is a massive game, there's no doubt about it," Robinson said.
"It's a game everybody's looking forward to. It's a big challenge. The last time we played them they did beat us convincingly."
Asked about his emotions, the 33-year-old added: "It's hard to say because I know I am finishing but, having been on the rugby treadmill for the last 16 years, I won't know what it's like to not be on it until next week.
"I'm sure on the night there will be a certain mix of feelings. But the main thing is to stay focused."
Renowned for his quick footwork which can leave would-be opposition tacklers stranded, Robinson was one of the few Red Rose players to distinguish themselves during their record 36-0 World Cup loss to South Africa in the pool stage last month.
However, soon after launching a rare England attack, the Lions international limped off with the first hamstring injury of his career.
The huge ovation he then received from both England and Springbok fans' alike also reflected a concern they might have witnessed Robinson's last top-flight appearance.
"When I came off, I did say I didn't think it was my last game. But I didn't think we'd turn things round as much as we have done," said Robinson, who made his name in the star-studded Wigan league side of the early 1990s.
"That's a credit to the guys that have been out there," said Robinson, who initially retired from England duty in 2005, while carrying on with Sale, before returning to the test arena in January this year.
"What a way to finish - in a World Cup final. Sometimes, I do have to pinch myself," the man nicknamed 'Billy Whiz' because of his speed, said.
Robinson, who changed codes permanently in 2000, said he could not turn his back on England in a World Cup year.
"I said at the time it was a short-term thing, to try to add something to this team.
"It was right I came back. Hopefully I've added something and it would be great if we could finish it off."
However, he said England still had much work to do if they were to become the first side to win consecutive World Cups.
"South Africa are playing exceptional rugby. If we know we are not on top form, we are not going to win. The challenge is there. It's got all the ingredients to be a classic."
- AFP
