We deserve to be in final, says Vickery
Just five weeks after South Africa —– their opponents in tonight’s final at Stade de France —– smashed them in record-breaking 36-0 fashion, England are remarkably one win away from glory.
By Vickery’s own admission, England were “staring down the barrel” after that Springboks debacle, but successive victories over Samoa, Tonga, Australia and France mean they are on course to retain the Webb Ellis Trophy.
It would be an achievement without equal in world rugby, and possibly even eclipse the heroics of Martin Johnson and company four years ago.
Vickery said: “Four weeks ago, we were staring down the barrel of a gun and on the way home.
“But we are in a World Cup final, and we’ve achieved a lot of things to get here. We thoroughly deserve our chance to be here, but being here is not good enough — we want to go out and retain our trophy.
“I don’t think the guys need much motivation. There are huge amounts of expectation outside the team, and from within the side.”
England have defied overwhelming odds to secure another appointment with the Springboks, and more than 50,000 red rose fans are expected to flood the French capital — many of them without tickets.
The mere possibility of England contesting another World Cup final was dismissed as pure fantasy in the aftermath of South Africa’s embarrassingly easy stroll.
Vickery and company, though, through a stirring combination of sheer determination and no little skill, have proved everyone wrong.
He added: “We all trust each other implicitly within the side, and we need to produce a performance that will compete with South Africa.
“It’s great we are here in the final. It’s not by luck, we have deserved to be here, and credit to everyone involved.”
Despite coming under fire himself following the Springboks loss, England head coach Brian Ashton never lost faith in a squad whose experience has shone through during a time of considerable adversity.
And the return of fly-half talisman Jonny Wilkinson — 61 points in the last four games after he started the tournament on crutches owing to a training injury — has also proved critical.
Ashton said: “Looking back, we were far too complacent in our approach to playing America in the opening game, and then against South Africa we were outplayed.
“It is a massive challenge, and one we are well aware of.
“Obviously, you like to dominate every area of the game, but the opposition gets better and better as you get to a World Cup final.
“I understand what a momentous occasion a World Cup final is in any sport, and the fact we are here is probably a massive surprise to everyone around the world, apart from the guys who are here.”
Despite England’s astonishing resurgence, they again find themselves in a familiar position tonight — that of underdogs.
Quarter-final opponents Australia could not handle England up -front, while semi-final rivals France proved tactically bankrupt under pressure.
South Africa, though, have the power game to compete with England in every facet — lineout, breakdown and scrum — while wing Bryan Habana is world rugby’s finest finisher.
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