Stirling Mortlock - what a great name for an actor of the old school - says:  "England have played smart and to their strengths. They have proved all their knockers wrong."
However, he adds: "But I can't see past South Africa. It will be tight, but they are quality."
Thanks Hedley, mate.
But, of course, England's players aren't bothered about support from abroad - unless it's the sort provided by Aussie RU boss John O'Neill (left), who has gone very quiet since his team were sent home early.
He, of course, was the man who stated that everybody hates the English and not only wanted them out of the competition but also failed to back them as hosts when the voting as held because of our "born-to-rule mentality". The team provided the perfect response, and O'Neill appears to have shut his gob now, which is a bit of a shame because he was just starting to be entertaining.
Mortlock, the much more acceptable face of Aussie rugby, added:  "England's tactics have been pretty consistent the last three times and I wouldn't think they would change too much.
"Try-scoring opportunities have been hard to come by and decisions have had a big impact on the results. So they have played smart and that's why they are in the final.
"But South Africa have the ability to overcome those tactics and I'd say they will come out the winner."
Most others are saying the same, of course - but they were saying it before the Australia game and before the France semi-final.
Shows how much they know.
Shows how much I know as well -- I was one of many to top the All Blacks to win the competition, not taking into account their uncanny but now familiar ability to waste four years of superiority in 80 minutes.
Yes, the Boks are the better side and clear favourites to win in the final - but they would be very unwise to underestimate this England squad or to follow the views of many of their fans, who believe it's only a question of turning up and being ready for the kick-off.
That's what their Tri-Nations colleagues New Zealand and Australia thought.

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