Lewsey 'gutted' to miss final

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Lewsey, 30, sustained a grade one hamstring strain just before half-time in England's 14-9 semi-final victory over France on Saturday.

Lewsey said: "Over the last four years, not just yourself but the people around you sacrifice an awful lot for you to be able to put sport first. There have been some testing times over the last couple of years and to go through all that and then to miss out just as you get to the final of the World Cup is very disappointing. I'm absolutely gutted."

He added: "I kept some lasting hope that it was a spasm or cramp but we went for a scan on Sunday and it was clear straight away. It looks like three to five weeks out."

Lewsey, who had played every minute of England's World Cup campaign before hobbling off at the Stade de France, will now be replaced in the squad. England were due to confirm the identity of the replacement later on Monday.

Lewsey, a World Cup winner in 2003, will stay on at the England team hotel and is determined to play an active part in the build-up to Saturday's showdown in Paris.

"Sport can be a cruel thing but I will get behind the team. We started this on June 24 in military fatigues (on a training camp with the Royal Marines) and I am not going home yet," said Lewsey.

"Ultimately what matters this weekend is that England win and there will be no-one happier than me if we do it. This isn't the time for any self-pity. This is the time to be positive. Look what we have achieved over the last few weeks and let's take it to South Africa. All that matters this week is that England win. I don't care how.

"Like every England supporter I want England to win and I will do everything I can to help that. The beauty of rugby is that it is a team sport and everyone has a role, not just those lucky enough to go on the field.

"The guys who aren't involved have a massively important role, giving the guys support to ensure each individual who is playing on Saturday to prepare as well as they can. That is not an under-valued position to be in. It is about staying positive and be part of something that is gathering momentum and will hopefully get over this final hurdle on Saturday."