I was at that match as well, and what I remember most was Juan Grobler of the U.S. going for a try and being tackled several meters short of the line when he had a clear overlap outside of him and the game turning significantly once the Conrad Nantjes and Joost Van der Westhuizen came on as replacements in the second half (in my opinion, just to show us poor Americans how the game is supposed to be played, since we had dared to stay within striking range of the Boks). Interestingly, Victor Matfield earned one of his first caps that day.
As for Saturday's final, I honestly have no idea how it will play out, although I'm in total agreement that pain will be the outstanding feature. Those two forward packs will beat each other mercilessly, and if there aren't several yellow cards dealt, I'll be extremely surprised. Fortunately for Jonny Wilkinson (and English hopes), there will be no Corne Krige to come in with a late shoulder barge.
That said, I don't think England can match up with the Springboks' backline, nor do I think the Boks will be lured into a kicking game like the French were. The key, in my mind, is Francois Steyn. His drop kicking is the equal of Wilkinson (arguably) and he has been an excellent distributor of ball to Jaques Fourie and Bryan Habanaout out wide. Something tells me it could very well be a long day for Mike Catt.
Of course, I also thought the Aussies and the French were going to beat England. Shows you how much I know.
