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BOKS TO THE WALL

Rugby World Cup final: England vs South Africa combined XI sees Eddie Jones’ stars dominate dream team

EDDIE JONES' England side go into the Rugby World Cup final as firm favourites to win their second Webb Ellis Cup.

After demolishing reigning champs New Zealand in the semi-final, the Red Rose will take on the almighty brute strength of South Africa in Yokohama.

 England rugby stars dominate our combined XV
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England rugby stars dominate our combined XVCredit: AP:Associated Press
 England vs South Africa Rugby World Cup final combined XV
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England vs South Africa Rugby World Cup final combined XV

But who are the standout players on each side? Who provides the spark and who would make the cut in a combined XV?

Here SunSport picks their starting line-up from both squads.

1 Mako Vunipola

He may not be flashy, he may not be pretty, but 19st prop Vunipola is a relentless workhorse.

A bruising presence his short bursts forward prove invaluable in tight games.

2 Jamie George

Versatile hookers are coming into their own now and you'd be hard pressed to find one better than George.

He spots spaces and loves a cheeky offload to give something different to the attack.

3 Kyle Sinckler

Hot head has calmed his temperament massively.

A huge part of England's success he is a rock defensively and a threat going forward.

4 Maro Itoje

A contender for player of the tournament.

He is first there at every breakdown and no one in the world is better at winning turnovers.

 Itoje has been monumental for England
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Itoje has been monumental for EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association
 Etzebeth's sheer size is terrifying
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Etzebeth's sheer size is terrifyingCredit: Getty Images - Getty

5 Eben Etzebeth

A monster of a man, his tackle success (94 per cent) and physicality can drive opponents back from the try line.

6 Tom Curry

One half of the 'Kamikaze Kids' alongside Underhill, Curry has played every minute of England's campaign and put his body on the line consistently with crunching hits.

7 Sam Underhill

Was at the forefront of the valiant defensive effort that kept New Zealand totally at bay in the semi-final.

8 Billy Vunipola

Another standout performer against the All Blacks.

His five tries have him second on the list of most scored this tournament - remarkable for a forward.

9 Faf de Klerk

Scrum half catches the eye with his blond hair flying everywhere.

Gets the nod because he is simply relentless in annoying opponents and a good chaser of his own box kicks.

10 Owen Farrell

Sheer bloody mindedness saw him not only make it through the semi-final but play well considering it looked like he would have to come off injured.

Fly half is a big hitter in the middle of the park and reliable in front of the posts.

11 Jonny May

Has been quiet of late but has the ability to turn half a chance into a try.

A big, strong, rapid bulldozer, he is so tough for opponents to stop when at full speed.

12 Damian De Allende

Has made a whopping 179m so far this tournament with his rampaging runs through midfield.

Not even three Wales defenders could stop him when he scored his try in the semi.

13 Manu Tuilagi

Former badboy has come good.

He epitomised everything England needed to be when crashing over for a try just 96 seconds into the win over the All Blacks.

14 Cheslin Kolbe

Back in the side for the final after recovering from an ankle injury, he is not the biggest of men but has magical feet.

Flies into tackles with almost reckless abandon and a lethal finisher.

15 Anthony Watson

Opponents know what he is going to do - so why is he so difficult to stop?

Bounces off tackles, cuts in and past rivals effortlessly from the touchline and has a nose for snuffing out danger on the counter.

Coach Eddie Jones says England team is unchanged for Rugby World Cup final against South Africa
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