PARIS - England first five-eighths Jonny Wilkinson praised South Africa after the Springboks won the World Cup for the second time on Saturday with a gritty 15-6 win at the Stade de France.
In a disappointing match, which was dominated by the boot, the Springboks were deserving winnersand added the 2007 title to their 1995 triumph.
"South Africa deserved to win," said Wilkinson who kicked his team's two penalties but otherwise had a game to forget.
"They have been fantastic all tournament. Big respect to them. It is their moment. But we gave it everything we had and we are very disappointed."
England had lost 36-0 to the Springboks in a pool match last month, but then battled to the final on the back of wins over Australia and France.
The game turned on Saturday when England winger Mark Cueto had a try early in the second half ruled out because of a foot in touch.
TV replays suggested the decision was a harsh one.
"The try looked OK to me," admitted Wilkinson.
"The guy probably made a good decision but in other matches it may have gone our way. This time it didn't."
England skipper Phil Vickery praised his team's fighting spirit.
"I can't fault anyone - the players, the supporters" said Vickery.
"We've had a magical time. Fairplay to South Africa. They were the better team and this is their victory. We have to wait for four years' time so they better enjoy it."
Vickery, too, refused to point to the disallowed Cueto try.
"You get decisions like that in a game. Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don't. I'm don't going to stand here and blame the referee. South Africa deserved their win."
England forward Martin Corry said he was devastated.
"We can't fault effort and the heart," he said.
"It's a shame that all that spirit counts for nothing. We gave it everything but it didn't go to plan. We are immensely disappointed and it's heartbreaking."
