UPDATE 4-Rugby-World-South Africa claim World Cup

(Updates with England quotes)

By John Mehaffey

PARIS, Oct 20 (Reuters) - South Africa defeated defending champions England 15-6 on Saturday to claim the World Cup for the second time in a match packed with atmosphere but short of excitement.

Percy Montgomery kicked four penalties and Francois Steyn converted a fifth for the Springboks at the Stade de France. Jonny Wilkinson, England's match-winner in Sydney four years ago, kicked a penalty each side of halftime.

South Africa, who won the Cup at home in 1995 on their return from international sporting isolation, join Australia as the only country to claim the William Webb Ellis trophy twice.

"A massive win for us. All credit to England, a lot of people expected them not to be as competitive as they were tonight," South Africa coach Jake White told ITV television.

"It just shows you how tough World Cups are. I always knew we had to play to win it, they were not going to give it to us.

"It's important for our country and I think everyone back home is rejoicing, and all credit to the players, they have been fantastic ambassadors for South African rugby over the last four years.

The boot dominated a game in which England, whose title defence seemed doomed when they were humiliated 36-0 by the Springboks in the pool stage, were attempting to become the first side to successfully defend the trophy.