Jake White, the South Africa coach, named an unchanged starting XV for Saturday's World Cup final against England.

CJ van der Linde, the tight-head prop, has shrugged off concerns over a knee problem to retain his place in the side that beat Argentina 37-13 in last weekend's semi-final. He is joined in the front row by veteran loose-head prop Os du Randt.

The only change comes on the bench where Wickus van Heerden, the loose forward, replaces Bobby Skinstad. Van Heerden started in place of the suspended Schalk Burger in the Springboks' 36-0 win a month ago and has been rewarded for his performance in that game.

"It was quite simple," White said. "There were no emotional decisions made. We felt that the way Argentina played, Bobby was suited to that game.

"It's only fair on Wickus as he played a massive role against England in the pool game. He played a massive role in the way we played. It's good to have two guys like Schalk and Wickus as part of our mix. We need two guys who can play that role."

But White insisted South Africa will be facing a completely different England side this time around, following the return from injury of Jonny Wilkinson and he believes England's experience of winning the 2003 World Cup in Australia gives them a major advantage this weekend.

Jason Robinson, Jonny Wilkinson, Ben Kay and Phil Vickery will all start their second World Cup final, while England's 22-man squad includes 12 players with winners' medals.

"They have won a World Cup away from home," White said. "Even though Josh Lewsey is not playing he will play a massive part in the preparations for the final.

"That's a massive advantage to have, having guys like [Lawrence] Dallaglio, Wilkinson, Robinson, [Mike] Catt, guys who have won a World Cup. That's why it's going to be a completely different outing to the pool game."

The Springboks will start as favourites in Paris, having beaten England on four successive occasions in the last 11 months including a 36-0 victory during the pool stages of the World Cup.

South Africa: Percy Montgomery, JP Pietersen, Jaque Fourie, Francois Steyn, Bryan Habana, Butch James, Fourie du Preez; Os du Randt, John Smit (captain), CJ van der Linde, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Schalk Burger, Juan Smith, Danie Rossouw. Replacements: Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Johann Muller, Wickus van Heerden, Ruan Pienaar, Andre Pretorius, Wynand Olivier.