For the game.

Former Ireland, Leinster and Lions centre Brian O’Driscoll says he will be rooting for old rivals England in the Rugby World Cup final this weekend.

England take on South Africa on Saturday in a repeat of the 2007 final and the Irishman reckons it’s better for the game if Eddie Jones’ side wins this weekend. rather than see the Springboks triumph with their “boring style” of rugby.

England electrified audiences around the world with a stunning display of rugby against the All Blacks in their semi-final while South Africa went through the motions in a very unimaginative display against Wales, dominated by their kicking game.

“Yes we (in Ireland) want to beat England, but for me why I want to beat England is because more often than not they’re one of the best teams in the world,” O’Driscoll told Paul Hayward in an exclusive interview.

“Also, now, for the benefit of the game – and I’m a big promoter of the game, not being a player any more – loving the game and trying to get it to grow, you don’t want growth through a boring style.

“You want growth through an exciting style, people showing their skill sets, and continuity – props throwing little flick passes. That’s the way to grow the game and to get younger players with a passion for it.

“For the first time ever I will be supporting England in a World Cup final.”

You can read O’Driscoll’s interview in full here.