KEY POINTS:
PARIS - Percy Montgomery, whose blonde hair and bronzed skin give him the appearance of a male model, has had to be far harder than his looks suggest to cope with the criticism his rugby career has attracted.
It is hard to believe the dashing 33-year-old full-back, set to play a key role in Saturday's World Cup final against England here at the Stade de France, has ever had that many detractors.
He is, after all, now both South Africa's most-capped player and their record points scorer, a standing he has backed up at this tournament where he tops the scoring charts with 93 points heading into the last match.
His return to the Springbok fold, along with another veteran in prop forward Os du Randt, has added experience to the team. But Montgomery's recall, a move instigated by coach Jake White, was far from assured.
Although a member of the South Africa side that reached the 1999 World Cup semi-finals, he missed the 2003 edition, where the Springboks reached the quarter-finals in Australia, after being suspended for pushing a touch judge while playing for Welsh club Newport.
For his critics, this was just another example of goalkicker Montgomery's erratic behaviour but White remained a fan.
"What can you say about Monty? He is a class act and gives reassurance to those in front of him. I don't understand this criticism he receives," said the Springbok boss.
"It was my call to ask him to return to South Africa, he said yes and I have had no reason to regret either of those calls."
Montgomery, who made his debut in 1997, has been outstanding in both defence and attack in France.
He sees his role on Saturday as being little different to that during the rest of the tournament.
"I just have to play the same game I've been playing for the last four years," said Montgomery, who is to join French side Perpignan next season.
While Montgomery is effective in bursting into the line, he acknowledges his pivotal role is in keeping the scoreboard ticking over and accepts his personal duel with England's World Cup winning fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, the drop-goal star of the 2003 final, could well be the decisive factor this weekend.
"It's always a big showdown with the kickers, so you need to do the basics right," said Montgomery.
"Practice is important. You've got to be stubborn and a perfectionist to get what you want.
"Most World Cup finals are won by kicking. In '95 (when hosts South Africa beat New Zealand in the final thanks to Joel Stransky's extra-time drop-goal) it played a huge role. I'll keep doing what I am doing and hope for the best."
Montgomery, who cut a disconsolate figure when he trudged from the pitch after South Africa's semi-final defeat eight years ago, admitted he was not as composed as he appeared when on the pitch or preparing for kicks.
"If you don't get nervous, that's when you have to stop playing. Any game is on your mind, so you surround yourself in the team environment and have a few jokes before the match."
While du Randt and several other South Africans look likely to end their international careers after Saturday's final, Montgomery is in no hurry to discard his Springbok jersey.
"I'll make a decision after the World Cup. I still have a few more games in me," he said.
- AFP
