England first five Jonny Wilkinson believes the Springboks fully deserve their Rugby World Cup success.

"The South Africa team deserved to win - they've been fantastic all tournament," he said.

"Big respect to them - it's well-deserved.

"It's disappointing. We gave it the best we had and at times we got close enough - and we didn't feel we were going to lose."

England’s goalkicker, who clinched the 2003 RWC for his side, was also asked what he thought of Mar Cueto’s disallowed try.

"It looked okay, but I'm sure the guy making the decision made a good one," he said.

"Maybe in other games it would have gone our way - but this one didn't."

His teammate and loose forward Martin Corry also spoke of his team's "heartbreak" following the loss.

"I can't fault the fight and heart - it's just such a shame when it counts for nothing," Corry said in a post-match interview.

"It all didn't go to plan - but it was so disappointing. We've come so far, and all the fans have been unbelievable. To be so close and not do it is heartbreaking.