There was so much kicking during England’s semi-final against France last weekend that at times the action resembled a tennis match. In the final on Saturday, England are again likely to try to kick the life out of South Africa and Andy Goode, the Leicester fly half and one of the best kickers in European rugby, believes that England’s kicking game could unsettle South Africa’s back three, if executed well.
“I think they will put high balls on Percy Montgomery and I’d be looking to test out J-P Pietersen [the South Africa wing],” Goode said yesterday. “He doesn’t look that confident under the high ball. If you put a bomb up on a full back or a wing, it’s very difficult for them to counter-attack.”