KEY POINTS:
South Africa supporter Gregory Fortuin
How long have you been in New Zealand?
16 years and 15 days - not because I'm counting but every day I get asked I just add another day.
What sort of emotion does the Springboks' playing stir up?
Emotions
of nation building starting with the anthem being sung in unison. I never supported the Boks prior to 1992.
Who would you back if the Boks weren't playing?
All Blacks, Australia, Samoa, Fiji (Any Southern Hemisphere team).
Did you expect to see them in the final?
Yes. I publicly said so on Deaker's Talk Sport. But I expected them to play the All Blacks.
What is unique about their style of rugby?
The athleticism of their forwards and the best halfback and locking pair in the world.
Why do you think they've got as far as they have?
They have suffered and learned from hardship. Over and above the politics, they lost five in a row in 2006, including a 49-0 hiding from the Aussies.
Will you rub it in our noses?
No - Kiwis will do it to themselves.
England supporter Miles Davis
How long have you been here?
22 years.
What sort of emotion does England stir up for you?
Extreme patriotism. I was in tears by the end of the game with France. I was so proud of them.
And who would you be yelling for if England weren't playing?
Anyone but the All Blacks.
Did you expect to see Brian Ashton's team in the final?
Not at the beginning of the tournament.
So what's so special about the English style of rugby?
Exciting rugby. That's why Twickenham is always full and AMI Stadium is half empty.
How has England got this far?
Heart and mental strength.
Will you rub it in?
I don't need to. All Black fans are upset enough.
So, how will you celebrate?
In true English style with lots of alcohol.
Burning questions
Who is going to win?
This is pundit white flag territory. Pundits have never got it so wrong in a rugby World Cup, to the point where there is a temptation to sit back and pass on the risk of another prediction stuff-up. Key areas: England has a more belligerent attitude and defined game, England has the better scrum and South Africa the better lineout, Springbok fullback Percy Montgomery may be goal kicking the World Cup ball a little better than Jonny Wilkinson, South Africa have more potential to make the most of linebreaks, and England hardly ever make linebreaks.
Which all adds up to a narrow South African win. Maybe.
Would an English triumph change the face of sport in old Blighty?
Not a chance. Their headlines have still been centred on soccer even as England made its improbable march into the rugby final.
What effect would a World Cup triumph have on South African rugby?
South African rugby is a very volatile animal.
In theory, it should boost their confidence to the point of making them even harder to beat. But there are many forces at play in the South African game, including the same player-drain problems that New Zealand faces.
