Former Springbok captains Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger say there’s a very real chance that England can spring an upset against the Boks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The world champions begin their campaign at Ellis Park after warm-up victories over the Barbarians and Zimbabwe, but Burger warned that the Boks are rarely at their best in their first major Test of the year.
“I think the Boks always start a little bit slower,” Burger said on the Boks Unpacked x The Verdict podcast.
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“If this was four games into the Boks’ season, look at the two Tests last year against Italy – those were not simple affairs. Then straight after what happened at Ellis Park against Australia – the best 20 minutes of rugby then 60 minutes of nothing.
“But by the end of the Rugby Championship and the autumn internationals, they were supreme. I think if ever there was a chance for England, it would be this fixture.”
England arrive in Johannesburg with a squad high on confidence following a top-quality Premiership final, and De Villiers believes that could be a weapon despite mixed Six Nations results.
“I’m nervous, hey,” said former Bok centre.
“It does feel like, despite the results that England had during the Six Nations, it does feel as if they’re on a bit of a high because of the quality of the playoffs in the Premiership. I think it’s everything to lose for us as South Africa.”
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Burger also backed Rassie Erasmus’ decision to opt for a five-three split on the replacements bench, highlighting the versatility available to the Springboks.
“You’ve got your starting team, and that’s always a thing for us. But then you look at the bench,” he said.
“Cameron Hanekom replacing Kwagga Smith. That role I think suits him – he can be amazing.
“Then you look at it and say we’ve got a 5-3 bench split, but then you’ve got André Esterhuizen the hybrid. No flyhalf named on the bench, so that means Damian Willemse will cover there. Then you’ve got Marco van Staden and Jan-Hendrik Wessels. The options are endless with this team.”
England haven’t beaten the Boks since 2021.
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Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Ex-Boks ‘nervous’ ahead of Ellis Park showdown appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former Springbok captains Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger say there’s a very real chance that England can spring an upset against the Boks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The post Ex-Boks ‘nervous’ ahead of Ellis Park showdown appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
