'It was 100% a try' - Cueto

Mark Cueto has reflected on the moment England's dream of making World Cup history drifted into oblivion, claiming: "It was 100% a try."

And the Sale Sharks wing's sense of disbelief was only deepened by texters who bombarded his mobile phone while England fought tooth and nail to successfully defend their world title.

Cueto said: "There were about 30 text messages on my phone. I think 29 out of the 30 had 'robbed' in the text."

Had Cueto's 43rd minute 'try' been allowed, then England might well have gone on to complete mission improbable and retain the Webb Ellis Trophy against overwhelming odds.

But those hopes effectively crashed once 39-year-old Australian Stuart Dickinson decided Cueto's foot made contact with the touchline as he dived over under pressure from Springboks number eight Danie Rossouw's despairing tackle.

Television match official Dickinson, a professional referee who has controlled almost 40 Test matches, consulted numerous replays before breaking English hearts by delivering a verdict Cueto will probably never understand.

Cueto added: "Mathew Tait made a great initial break, and I think we got to within five metres of their line.

"There was an open blindside, Wilko (Jonny Wilkinson) managed to flick a pass to me and it was a case of just diving in.

"My gut instinct when I went over the line was that it was a try. As a player, you generally know when you are in or not. For me, it was 100% a try.

"From the front you could see the grounding was fine. From the back, they were obviously looking at the foot, but to me my foot came off the ground as I went over the line. I was amazed when it wasn't awarded - I couldn't believe it."