ENGLAND'S clash against South Africa in Pool C will be one of the games of the World Cup, predicts Springbok ace Percy Montgomery.

The 50-times capped full back, who joined Newport last season but has yet to appear for the Dragons regional side, will be sat in his new Ponthir home to watch the tournament.

His six-month ban for pushing over a touchjudge will not be up until December 2, which ruled out any possibility of a Springbok call for the World Cup.

England are many people's tip for the trophy, along with New Zealand, but their pool match against South Africa in Perth on October 18 will be pivotal.

Jannie de Beer's five dropped goals put England out of the last World Cup, and in their Twickenham repeat nearly a year ago violence erupted as Jannes Labuschagne was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Jonny Wilkinson.

"It will be one of the games of the World Cup due to what happened at Twickenham last time when we knocked them out," he said.

"Everyone has written South Africa off, but never underestimate a wounded Springbok. We are a rugby loving nation and expectations are high.

"There could definitely be some big hits, England against South Africa is always very physical, but I don't think there will be any violence unless the guys are stupid.

"The guys want to win, if there are any late hits Jonny Wilkinson will kick the goals. There is no time for incidents like that."

He has a high regard for England and their chances of winning the World Cup, and dismisses suggestions they are too old to 'weather' the conditions.

"They have got the structure right, they are well balanced in all areas and I don't think they've got any weaknesses," he said.

"I don't think age counts in one-off games and the players will be fine because they can take lots of water. "But after the World Cup England will have problems with some big shoes to fill."

The big danger, predicts Monty, is New Zealand. "They are very dangerous, they are playing so well and they've got a quick and mobile pack.

"They've got the perfect game really and the All Blacks against England would be a top game.

"It would depend on the side which made the least mistakes and which number 10 can control the game."

Monty believes Wales will reach the quarter-finals. "The guys have been working hard, it's about taking chances and not worrying about the past," added Percy.