Ben Earl has warned England cannot hide from the currency of winning as Steve Borthwick’s side prepares to face the world champions Springboks in a daunting Ellis Park showdown. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports.
Earl insists recent progress will count for little without results.
“Firstly, the currency of playing international sport, the currency is winning,” he said bluntly on Monday. “It will forever be that way.”
England arrive under pressure after an inconsistent Six Nations, yet Earl insists the narrative of failure masks a squad reshaping itself after the 2023 World Cup.
“We’ve been on a bit of a journey … there’s been some highs and lows,” he admitted, but added the group has built “real good clarity about how we want to go about our rugby”.
That clarity will be tested against “the No 1 team in the world, double World Cup champions”, in what Earl calls a “bucket list” occasion.
“Ellis Park is one of those grounds you’d love to play at. It’s pretty cool,” said the loose forward, before quickly returning to a harder edge. “You can’t help but respect that, but we’re going to try and focus on how we want to play.”
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England’s attacking intent has drawn both praise and criticism, typified by the chaotic Six Nations defeat to France in which they impressed but leaked heavily. Earl did not shy away.
“We did also concede 48 points. You’re not going to win many Test matches if you concede 48,” he said. “Results didn’t quite go our way, but there was growth.”
South Africa, he added, will demand more than ambition.
“Test match rugby is brutal. You’d argue [they are] the most physical team. So we’re going to have to be right on our mettle.”
Earl’s own motivation is stripped of sentiment despite past scars against the Springboks.
“They’ve given me a fair bit of hurt but how can I contribute to this team? That’s my main driver.”
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Preparation, he stressed, has been relentless.
“You don’t just turn up on a Saturday and expect to do it. I’ve been preparing for this game for nearly three weeks.”
For all the talk of style and connection with supporters, Earl’s message is uncompromising as England chase a rare win at Ellis Park: “We always want to win. I’d rather learn these lessons now than later. Hopefully we start reaping some rewards.”
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Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images
The post Earl wants England edge for ‘brutal’ Bok Test appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Ben Earl has warned England cannot hide from the currency of winning as Steve Borthwick’s side prepares to face the world champions Springboks in a daunting Ellis Park showdown.
The post Earl wants England edge for ‘brutal’ Bok Test appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
