Despite a rocky performance in the Six Nations, England's rugby team has shown glimpses of brilliance that could potentially unravel the Springboks in their upcoming Nations Championship clash in Johannesburg this July. This insight comes straight from the mouths of South African rugby legends Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers, who have expressed a cautious stance about the capabilities of Steve Borthwick's squad.
England's Six Nations journey was less than stellar, with unexpected defeats including a historic loss to Italy. However, their narrow defeat to France in the final game displayed a fierce competitiveness that caught the eye of many, including Burger. "The intensity, the attacking ambition and how quickly they played, and how aggressive they were in the contact area, that is a performance you like to see regardless of result," Burger commented on the Boks Unpacked podcast.
As the Springboks prepare for their first test in eight months, Burger pointed out the potential rustiness due to inactivity, especially with many players based in Japan. "We’ve got so many players based in Japan and by that stage they have had a couple of months off. You need to be battle-hardened so I think in that game England will run us close," he said.
"I think Borthwick stays and also, even though England did not have the Six Nations that they wanted, that game in Joburg against us is going to be a massive game,"
stated De Villiers, emphasizing the challenge that lies ahead for the Springboks.
De Villiers also highlighted how England’s strategic play exposed weaknesses in France's game, which could similarly trouble the South Africans. "The way that they exposed France in the backfield, I think that’s the one area where we do get exposed at times because of the way that we defend. That’s what could put us under pressure," he added.
With both teams gearing up for this significant encounter, the rugby world will be eagerly watching to see if England can capitalize on their recent improvements and challenge the prowess of the top-ranked Springboks on their home turf.
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Despite a rocky performance in the Six Nations, England's rugby team has shown glimpses of brilliance that could potentially unravel the Springboks in their upcoming Nations Championship clash in Johannesburg this July. This insight comes straight from the mouths of South African rugby legends Schalk Burger and Jean de Villiers, who have expressed a cautious stance about the capabilities of Steve Borthwick's squad.
England's Six Nations journey was less than stellar, with unexpected defeats including a historic loss to Italy. However, their narrow defeat to France in the final game displayed a fierce competitiveness that caught the eye of many, including Burger. "The intensity, the attacking ambition and how quickly they played, and how aggressive they were in the contact area, that is a performance you like to see regardless of result," Burger commented on the Boks Unpacked podcast.
As the Springboks prepare for their first test in eight months, Burger pointed out the potential rustiness due to inactivity, especially with many players based in Japan. "We’ve got so many players based in Japan and by that stage they have had a couple of months off. You need to be battle-hardened so I think in that game England will run us close," he said.
"I think Borthwick stays and also, even though England did not have the Six Nations that they wanted, that game in Joburg against us is going to be a massive game,"
stated De Villiers, emphasizing the challenge that lies ahead for the Springboks.De Villiers also highlighted how England’s strategic play exposed weaknesses in France's game, which could similarly trouble the South Africans. "The way that they exposed France in the backfield, I think that’s the one area where we do get exposed at times because of the way that we defend. That’s what could put us under pressure," he added.
With both teams gearing up for this significant encounter, the rugby world will be eagerly watching to see if England can capitalize on their recent improvements and challenge the prowess of the top-ranked Springboks on their home turf.