And so the day dawns...

World Cup Final Day.

To say that an England v South Africa final was unlikely would be the understatement of understatements.

How did we ever get here?

Four years ago (22 November 2003 to be exact) I was sitting in my jimjams on the floor of Ra's living room in Huddersfield, watching the England rugby team make history. They had been preparing for this for four years. The juggernaut was unstoppable. Nothing could stand in the way of Johnno getting his big mits on the trophy. And after the final whistle went I'm not ashamed to admit I cried like a gurl. In reality, I never expected them to lose. They couldn't, whatever Australia managed to throw at them.

After that, England never really seemed to get back on track. Some (Johnno, Backy, Jason Leonard etc) retired from the international stage to give way to new talent. But the wheels had fallen off the Sweet Chariot, and never really got back on until that dreadful drubbing by South Africa only a few short weeks ago. Whatever was said, it worked.

The buildup this week has been agony. The English press seem to think that, as long as Saint Johnny is playing, all will be well. Get real. This is a 22 man game. He only gets the chances because those around make them for him. And the painful truth is plain for anyone who understands the game. Johnny Wilkinson's not really hit form yet. Let's hope he finally finds it tonight. It would be easy to dislike the guy because of the way he's lauded by the media. But I can't. It would be easy for him to believe what's written about him. But he seems totally unaffected by it and I applaud him for that.

Now I don't really expect England to win tonight(sorry guys). And will I be disappointed if they don't? Despirately, not for country but for each and every player. Especially the likes of Jason Robinson, in this, his last ever game and of course Martin Corry, who always puts 110% into his game.

Don't worry Cozza, win or lose, there'll always be a welcome for you at Welford Road. And try not to bleed too much. So good luck to you, BenK, Lewis, George and Dan. No cards, no fighting. All I really want is that you come back safe and well.

Tigers need you!

And on a more sober note, members of ComeOnYouSaints are taking part today in their annual Saints with Heart walk. This year's walk is all the more poignant because it is in memory of Mark Coleman (aka WestMidsSaint), who recent suffered a fatal heart attack. We met Mark on the walk last year and at subsequent visits to Franklin's Gardens. Sadly we won't be joining in this year. But keep up the good work and it shouldn't be long before Saints are back in the premiership and we get to meet in anger once again.