Local bookmakers have increased South Africa’s chances of winning their third World Cup trophy with odds being lowered after Monday’s opening price.

Betcoza have dropped the odds from Monday’s 1.90-1 to 1.60-1 early on Tuesday as the market takes in the mind games, fitness reports, referee selection and public sentiment. Every one rand bet on England will win you 55 cents after the updated odds.

While the majority of local fans feel like the 12-year cycle will continue, foreign media still have England as the front-runners.

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Saturday’s final in Yokohama will be the fifth meeting between the teams since Rassie Erasmus and Eddie Jones have taken over as head coaches of South Africa and England, respectively, with the previous four Tests – all played in 2018 – split even with two wins each.

Erasmus has confirmed that the Springboks will have a fully fit squad as Cheslin Kolbe has recovered from injury for the World Cup final.

Kolbe has been battling an ankle injury since South Africa’s third pool game against Italy three weeks ago. While he featured in the quarter-final win against Japan, the side’s star wing was unable to train and subsequently left out of the match-day squad for the semi-final win over Wales.

Meanwhile, referee Jerome Garces will become the first Frenchman to take charge of a Rugby World Cup final after being appointed to officiate in Saturday’s clash between the Springboks and England.

It will be the third time that he will wield the whistle in a match involving the Springboks at this World Cup.

He first officiated in South Africa’s opener against the All Blacks, and was also in charge of last weekend’s semi-final.