Former Springboks Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger say there’s a very real chance that England can spring an upset at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The world champions kick off their Nations Championship campaign after a warm-up victory over the Barbarians, but Burger warned that the Boks are rarely at their best in their first Test of the year.
“I think the Boks always start a little bit slower,” the former Bok flank said on the Boks Unpacked x The Verdict podcast.
“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.”
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Many of England’s players arrived in Johannesburg with confidence after starring in the Premiership, and De Villiers believes that could be a factor despite mixed Six Nations results.
“I’m nervous, hey,” said the former Bok centre. “It does feel like, despite the results that England had during the Six Nations, 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 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.”
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Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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