While Jonny Wilkinson’s prowess as a drop-kicker is universally acknowledged and feared by opponents, it should not be forgotten that in François Steyn, South Africa have their own potential match-winner.

In his comparatively short career, the precociously talented 20-year-old has shown a remarkable capacity for dropping goals with long-range attempts proving a speciality. In only his second international, against England last November, he landed one effort from inside his half. For the Sharks in the Super 14, a raking 58-yard kick went some distance to beating the Blues. He kicked two against Australia in the Tri-Nations this year, which won the game. One was from 42 metres, near the touchline, the other from 30 metres.

In what is likely to be a tight final, which may be decided by a dropped goal – as it was in 2003 by Wilkinson and in 1995 when Joel Stransky won the final for South Africa against New Zealand – Steyn’s ability and willingness to have a go are an asset and a threat. He may not always be successful, and he has had several wild shots during this tournament, but England know that they will have to keep an eye on him.

“It is an instinctive thing [attempting dropped goals],” Steyn said. “We will see what will happen, but I think there is going to be some, especially from Jonny as well, but we must keep our heads and not try to force it.”

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BACKGROUND

• Cueto ready to prove his point in Dad’s Army

• Hipkiss bid to force Ashton’s hand falls short

• Clive Woodward: Why England are my favourites

• Resurgent Gomarsall sets his sights on summit

BACKGROUND

• France exceed all expectations as hosts

• Steyn presents threat in close final

• Broccoli for breakfast is recipe for success

• The rough (sleeper’s) guide to Paris

BACKGROUND

• Robinson calls for 'one last push'

• Springboks unchanged for final

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• Steyn alert to threat of Wilkinson

Steyn is considered one of the brightest talents to emerge in South Africa for some time. On his international debut against Ireland in 2006, he scored a try. Whether at full back, wing or inside centre, where he has featured in France after the injury to Jean de Villiers, he has shown that he loves to run. He can also place-kick and punt with the best of them. There is no shortage of confidence, although occasionally that can be his undoing, a fact that England will have noticed.

How he reacts under real pressure will be interesting. “I am confident, but sometimes stuff doesn’t happen how I would like it to and I get hard on myself, but I hope everything goes well,” he said.