Josh Lewsey may be out of the running but he has urged England's thoroughbreds to overturn the odds once again in Saturday's World Cup final.
The England winger was yesterday ruled out of the clash with South Africa after it was confirmed he had suffered a hamstring tear in the 14-9 semi-final victory over France.
Bath's exciting but inexperienced full-back Nick Abendanon arrived in Paris last night as Lewsey's replacement just five days before the final.
Four months ago England drifted to 50/1 outsiders after being thumped 36-0 by South Africa in the pool stages - the Springboks' fourth straight victory over them.
But, since that day, Brian Ashton's men have developed a steely determination not to be beaten.
They battled past Samoa and Tonga to reach the quarter-finals before digging deep to produce shock victories over Australia and France to set up a re-match with the Springboks.
Lewsey rates South Africa as favourites - but hopes England have built a momentum that will carry them to an historic victory. No team has ever successfully defended the World Cup.
Lewsey said: "South Africa are favourites and rightly so - they beat us 36-0 last time and stuffed us twice in the summer.
"But we have had two good wins and it is quite nice doing the old Frankie Dettori, coming up on the rails. Hopefully we can do it again.
"There have been some difficult times and our performances haven't been up to it, but we have a lot of gnarly old battle-horses in this squad.
"We have guys who have won trophies - club trophies, European trophies, Grand Slams and a World Cup. They are proven performers on the big stage.
"Against France we took the opportunities when they mattered. Hopefully we can continue that into this weekend."
Abendanon, 21, has been called up as insurance in case England should suffer any further injury problems in the back three ahead of Saturday's final.
Lewsey's likely replacement in the starting XV would either be Mark Cueto or centre Mathew Tait, who finished the semi-final playing on the wing with Dan Hipkiss at outside centre.
Cueto has struggled with a calf problem in recent weeks but England officials insist the Sale winger is fit for selection.
Abendanon said: "It's obviously devastating for Josh as he has been so vital to the team and I feel for him.
"But it is pretty exciting for me, especially going out for the final. I know I might not get a chance to play but to get back with the boys again will be great.
"I don't know what my chances of selection are because they told me to just bring my boots and gumshield, but I will be really happy to just train with the boys and get a taste of the atmosphere."
Lewsey, 30, sustained a grade one hamstring strain just before half-time against France, having opened the scoring for England with try just 80 seconds into the semi-final.
The Wasps winger will remain with the team in Paris this week and is determined to do everything to help the squad prepare for the final.
"I am absolutely gutted," said Lewsey.
"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.
"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.
"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. 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."
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