Mark Cueto is the only change from the team which beat France last week for Saturday’s World Cup final against South Africa at the Stade De France Saint Denis with KO at 2000 BST. All the expectations had been Tait on the wing and Hipkiss in the 13 shirt. However Ashton has left Mathew Tait and Mike Catt in the centre. Mike Catt at 36, has the honour of being the oldest player to start in a World Cup final.
England Team V South Africa
Backs: Jason Robinson, Paul Sackey, Mathew Tait, Mike Catt, Mark Cueto, Jonny Wilkinson, Andy Gomarsall.
Forwards: Andrew Sheridan, Mark Regan, Phil Vickery (C), Simon Shaw, Ben Kay, Martin Corry, Lewis Moody, Nick Easter.
Replacements: George Chuter, Matt Stevens, Lawrence Dallaglio, Joe Worsley, Peter Richards, Toby Flood, Danny Hipkiss