Dallaglio was part of England's 2003 World Cup-winning side

England will play South Africa in the final in Paris on Saturday after a campaign that began poorly for them.

The defending champions, who beat France 14-9 in the semi-final, scraped through their pool following a 36-0 humiliation to the Springboks.

"We took on the lessons very quickly. We've played a lot smarter since then," said number eight Dallaglio.

Interview: England's Lawrence Dallaglio

England, who are bidding to become the first side to win back-to-back World Cups, have been on an upward curve since losing to South Africa in Paris, beating Samoa, Tonga, Australia and France to reach the final.

"It has taken a bit of time to reach where we are at the World Cup," added Dallaglio, 35, who appeared in every minute of every game in 2003 but has played second fiddle to Nick Easter this time around.

"Early on we were staring down the barrel. We've had virtually a knockout match every game we've played from the pool stages through to the semi-finals. It's all about the next game for us.

If they want to take us on in the forwards or take us on in the backs then we'll be ready England defence coach Mike Ford

"When we walk into the stadium, the emotions are already there and there is little to do on that side of the game. It's all mental; we play smart and know what we have to do.

"Most matches are won and lost in the last 20 minutes, and it is about being competitive in the last 20 minutes.

"Against France with 10 minutes to go, it was 9-8 (to France). They were content to sit back and defend, and we were the only team that wanted to go on and win it."

A severely understrength England team lost twice on their summer tour to South Africa, and the Springboks - the 1995 world champions - will go into Saturday's clash as favourites after beating Argentina 37-13 in the semis.

Dallaglio defended England's style of play - branded "boring" in some quarters - and added: "The surprising thing with the two teams we've played in the knockout stages is that we've played more rugby.

606: DEBATE England's advance to the final has been a triumph of spirit and grit SM

"France wanted to kick the ball in the air and play for position. With Australia we nullified them and stopped their best players from getting into the game.

"Against South Africa that will be very hard, as they have threats all over the park."

But England defence coach Mike Ford said his side would be more than up to the task.

"If they want to take us on in the forwards or take us on in the backs then we'll be ready," he said.