Ex Planet Rugby
That leads me on to the differing levels of readiness for this series opener at Kings Park and yet another reason why the recently extended Super Rugby term has become more trouble than it's worth. Not only has the quality of games dipped due to tired bodies but now it impacts on the June Tests.
Let me paint more of a picture of how the Springboks are coming into this international. Last weekend the Bulls faced the Stormers in a bruising derby fixture while the Lions hosted the Sharks in another draining encounter. Meanwhile, England were on a game reserve. While there is a similar story in the north going into November, we've yet to see a series impacted such as this even before a ball has been kicked. Once respective Tests are completed, the south returns to Super Rugby before the Rugby Championship starts. Consequently the notion that this first Test is where England have their best opportunity of claiming victory holds more weight, particularly as they tackle the Springboks at sea level instead of altitude. That is something that has caused personal angst to former skipper John Smit, who would have liked to see his former colleagues holding any advantage they could in the big opener. "Sadly they're taking England to Durban first, which will be the most comfortable venue of the series. I would have liked them to be taken to the dark corners of South Africa for the first week or two. Durban is sea level so the England players won't feel the burn in the back of the throats and the taste of blood after 20 minutes," he told the BBC. (According to some hopeless dopes altitude is not a factor – Bwahahahaha) Such passionate words offer those who are unfamiliar with what a series in South Africa holds an idea of what to expect. The intensity of games will be fierce while supporters will be equally hungry to follow up the 2009 British & Irish Lions with an English scalp. That epic series three years ago was at the top end of what many of the Lions squad and coaches had faced in their careers, and there is undoubtedly going to be unfinished business in the back of people like Graham Rowntree, Ugo Monye and Lee Mears' minds, even if they refuse to admit it. Throw in a subplot of Brad Barritt and Mouritz Botha being South African born and we have many ingredients that I assure you will not spoil the broth. Meyer's first squad announcement was met with a feeling of inevitability in many corners of South Africa, not least Cape Town where they feel the Bull heavy selection in the 32 will lead to more of a kick-and-chase style. Hence England coach Stuart Lancaster going for two full-backs in his XV as Mike Brown gets the nod alongside wings Ben Foden and Chris Ashton. Expect lots of airtime in Durban as we know what's coming...now, can England counter it?Well unfortunately the Bokke cant enjoy as much time as the bulle do playing at altitude. England might get a surprise from the Bokke re attacking play in second half.
