Six weeks of rugby reaches its conclusion Saturday when England and South Africa battle it out in Yokohama for the Webb Ellis Cup.

The Rugby World Cup final sees the No. 1 team in the world, England, take on the team ranked second in a fitting end to the tournament.

"Generally speaking, the World Cup (final) is between the two best teams in the world, you have to win your pool and you've got to win a quarterfinal and a semifinal so you've got to be at the top of your game," said England coach Eddie Jones.

(Eddie Jones)

"That means both the teams mentally, physically and tactically, are ready to go."

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi admitted Saturday's game at International Stadium Yokohama (Nissan Stadium) was "not just another game."

"It's a World Cup final and not many people get that opportunity...so emotions are high," he said Friday.

"The past four games against England, it has been an arm wrestle, and swings of momentum. I'm expecting that and it's all about who can handle that the most."

"But you never know -- there might be beautiful tries being scored and a lot of things have happened in this World Cup, so you can expect anything. We have definitely prepared for everything in this game."

(Siya Kolisi)

As befits a final, there are a number of subplots.

Many neutrals will be rooting for South Africa based on the inspirational rags-to-riches story of Kolisi, who wins his 50th cap.

The game marks the last in charge for Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, while his counterpart Eddie Jones would like nothing better than to win the World Cup in the homeland of his mother and wife.

Clubmates from English Premiership sides Bath, Saracens and Sale and former teammates at Wasps will go head-to-head, while the local fans will get to see a number of Springbok players that are set to feature in the Top League from January.

The history books show that South Africa have the edge over England both in terms of overall fixtures and games played at the Rugby World Cup.

(Rassie Erasmus)

The Springboks have won 25, lost 15 with two games drawn, while the record in the World Cup is 3-1, with two of those victories coming in 2007 in the pool stage and then the final.

But England are the form side, having dismantled New Zealand in the semifinal.

"Last weekend has probably given us more confidence and probably brought us together as a team," said flanker Sam Underhill.

South Africa, meanwhile, played to their strengths with their pack and the kicking game of Faf de Klerk and Handre Pollard seeing them home against Wales.

The big question is whether South Africa will continue with that strategy or look to play an expansive game in the hope of surprising England?


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England forwards coach Neal Hatley, who played alongside his South Africa counterpart Matt Proudfoot and Erasmus, thinks the former.

"We know their mindset and seen how it works well for them. It's a pretty clear blueprint they've been using," he said.

Underhill said the key would be to "turn up physically and take that part of the game away from them...If we can get then physicality right we can dictate the game."

Flyhalf Pollard, however, pointed out that England also have a blueprint.

"In general, the DNA -- what we believe in and what they believe in -- is not going to change in a week's time. It is what it is and that's what got us here, and what got them here."

But he said South Africa "still have a few things we can put out there," before adding "we may have a couple of trick plays."

(Handre Pollard)

With past World Cups generally being pretty tight affairs -- South Africa have yet to score a try in a final despite winning the cup twice -- it could come down to penalties and drop goals.

England had Jonny Wilkinson -- whose drop goal saw them win the cup in 2003 -- help out in training on Friday, with Owen Farrell, George Ford and Ben Youngs getting tips.

Springbok kicker Pollard, meanwhile, said he was ready if the game came down to one kick.

"It's no secret that finals have been decided with drop goals and penalty kicks. But you are not going to put too much thought into that, because you just trust your process."

"You've basically been preparing your whole life for it. There will be pressure and it will be tough but you need to embrace it and enjoy it."