Cup finale

Sheridan's strength, Jason's legs and Jonny's kicks - the team need the lot as Dorset cheers them on against the mighty South Africans.

We asked rugby experts and ex-pats in our area what the world cup meant to them - and who will win...

Richard Erven, commercial manager at Bournemouth RFC, said it will be on the big screen there.

He said: "I know of about 14 club members who are going to the final. I tried to book as soon as I got home. Everything is booked up - every train and ferry.

"I think it will be another close game. South Africa haven't impressed me much and the England team has had five changes since we lost to them.

"The team has played fantastic and played to their strengths."

Prediction: England win 14-12.

Abigail Collings, the sister of the owner of No1 South African shop in Marlow Drive, Christchurch, was born in England and raised in South Africa.

She said: "There's huge excitement. There're lots of South Africans here, all spread around.

"It's hilarious because we get a lot of English customers and the rugby fans hassle each other about who's going to win.

"It was really busy before the last game as people stocked up with supplies for parties and we expect the same again."

Prediction: South Africa 34-21.

Cllr Alistair Russell, a ward member for West Southbourne in Bournemouth, played Scottish first division rugby in the 1960s and 70s for Greenock Wanderers.

He said: "I'm a Scotsman, but I really hope that England win, like I want any British team to win, because I am British.

"England had been so smashed in the last game it's going to be difficult, and I think it's going to be a close game."

Prediction: England 25-22.

Bec Kelliher, from the Australian-themed bar Walkabout, in Bournemouth, said: "We don't care we're out, we'll support South Africa now!

"The last time England played South Africa we were at capacity so we are expecting it again.

"This place gets full of South Africans - they treat it like their own place because it's Australian."

Prediction: South Africa 30-15.

Morgan Leadbitter, captain of East Dorset Rugby Club, said: "I think we are going to put a projector screen up at the club.

"We've got a big game against Ringwood in the afternoon then it's a case of all back to the club.

"We tripled the bar takings for the semi-final, so we are expecting even more for the final."

Prediction: England 17-8.

Danielle Fischbach, assistant manager of Café Rouge in Seamoor Road, said the tournament had been popular with the French men of Bournemouth.

"There are a lot of French in Bournemouth. All the guys want Saturday off, even our staff. I've been following the scores and I am pleased for England."

Prediction: South Africa 26-15.

Insp Neil McBain, Bourne-mouth's head of town centre policing, said: "We don't have a special operation planned because historically rugby fans have not caused us a problem.

"If the situation changes we will, of course, put resources into place. This sounds terrible, but I don't follow the rugby!"

Prediction: England 10-8.

Cpt Graham Hynds, a Scot, from Bovington Camp, played second row in the Royal Armoured Corps victory over the Intelligence Corps on Wednesday.

He said: "A lot of soldiers will be watching it in their mess and a lot will be in town. I think it will be close. If England's pack can dominate like they did against France and especially Australia, I think they will win."

Prediction: England 21-18.

Jon Shipp, night time economy manager for Bournemouth Tourism, said: "Many of the pubs and clubs in the town have been filled with supporters from across the rugby nations watching the matches over the past three weeks, and this has provided an unexpected boost to business."

Prediction: England 37-0.

Ben Williams, 18, from Upton in Poole, a former Wimborne Rugby Club player now training with the Bath rugby squad.

He said: "I've trained with Steve Borthwick (England second row) and Matt Stevens (prop) and their leadership qualities just raise your game completely because these are the best players in the country.

"I'm a centre. I think the backs have played well, like Matthew Tait. There were a few doubts before the World Cup, but he has proved people wrong. I'm going to the game - I managed to get some tickets."

Prediction: England 14-12.

Bryn Colsett, from Poole Rugby Club, said: "There is great anticipation for Saturday's game. I anticipate a close game but with the English bulldog spirit pulling us through to a close win and the first country to ever retain the cup."

Prediction: England 21-19.