Our Travolta's ready for final dancing feet

Before he goes, Robinson must listen to a host of team-mates and opponents rightly acclaim the 34-year-old as a true sporting legend, the most successful rugby league star to ever cross over into the union game.

The latest tribute came from Josh Lewsey, whose torn hamstring has robbed the London Wasps wing of a place alongside Robinson in Saturday's World Cup Final against South Africa.

The pair have travelled the same union road for four years, helping England win the Webb Ellis Trophy in Australia in 2003, but Lewsey is now consigned to the stands where Robinson limped to just four weeks ago.

Robinson's hamstring strain suffered in the 36-0 pool defeat by South Africa turned out to be a minor complaint compared to Lewsey's tear, which ensures he will be out of action for more than a month after being forced off during the semi-final victory over France.

Lewsey is coming to terms with his fate and hopes to witness Robinson unleash another of his magical running moments to help England become the first team to successfully defend the trophy.

He said: "Jason is unique and he is like John Travolta with those dancing feet.

"He has been the most successful player to ever cross the rugby codes and his running always makes him dangerous and a threat. I really hope he does it again for the team in the final."

Robinson has been using his clever footwork to avoid drawing too much attention on what will be his farewell appearance in a truly competitive match. He is turning out for the Barbarians against the Springboks before the end of the year, although that is a festival game and a million miles from the intensity of Saturday's final.

Robinson knows the magnitude of the task facing England but remains convinced a squad that were mauled by the critics after that defeat by South Africa a month ago, can still shock the world.

He said: "It's going to be a massive battle. I don't want to mentally go there yet because there is so much work to do, but it is really exciting as well. We didn't start the tournament very well and quite rightly took a lot of criticism and you have to take that on the chin. When you hit the big games then all the sacrifice made by the players and their families is worth it and here we are in another final.

"We are one step closer to a very special achievement."

Robinson, who wins his 51st England cap on Saturday, moved codes having already amassed a staggering 302 matches in rugby league, registering 184 tries and represented Great Britain 12 times and England's rugby league side on seven occasions.

Add to those statistics Robinson's five Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions and the eight times he captained his country in union and the true magnitude of what "Billy Whiz" has achieved starts to hit home.

That is why so many people want to pay homage to Robinson and why he will be so uncomfortable for some time to come under the huge weight of those plaudits.

His only sanctuary from the back slapping is the area of turf inside the white lines that have framed his rugby career in both codes and the magnificent Stade de France is a fitting back drop for his farewell.

Robinson added: "Four years ago we had a settled team that knew each other inside out and it is different this time.

"We have never known what the team has been one week to the next, but we have talent, guts and pride and there is really no reason why we can't do something special."

The stage is yours, Mr Robinson.