The Sprinkboks have punctured the dreams of a nation today at the Stade de France, and the nature of their victory must now be really sticking in the throats of the Argentines.

In the opening half of this encounter the Pumas dominated possession, territory and any other stat you could care to mention. Despite this superiority they found themselves 24-6 down at the break in the biggest case of floodlight robbery I've ever seen on a rugby field.

Two breakaway tries for the Springboks and a calamatous handling error from the usually superb Juan Martin Fernandez saw them faced with an insurountable mountain to climb in the second period.

Finally the Pumas started to open up, crossing the try line after some fine play but the damage was already done.

Hernandez and Felipe Contepomi both had an absolutley stinking opening 40 and the South African ability to pounce on mistakes after playing on the back foot would also come to bear in the dying moments as Bryan Habana ran the length of the field to score his 8th try of the tournament and put the game to bed.

So, we now have our final. A replay of the Pool A match that saw defending champions England trounced 36-0, and suddenly touted to not even qualify from their group.

Since they did against a tough Tongan team, the English have gone from strength to strength, helped by a seige mentality and opponents that have insisted on playing into their hands.

South Africa will be heavy favourites next Saturday, but will be wary of the wounded animal that is England at the moment, with nothing to lose as they attempt to become the first team ever to retain the Webb Ellis Trophy.