England faces high-stakes challenge against Springboks after recent defeats

England has suffered defeats in their initial two autumn fixtures held at the Allianz Stadium, experiencing close losses against both New Zealand and Australia. The Autumn Nations Series match between England and South Africa is scheduled for Saturday, 16 November, at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with a kick-off time of 17:40 GMT. Live commentary will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, alongside live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app. The Springboks are not known for offering sympathy. South Africa maintains a strong and heartfelt bond with its country. During their current tour of the northern hemisphere, the Boks have engaged in interviews, signed merchandise, and coached children as part of a coordinated public relations effort. However, this approach has its boundaries. When discussions shifted to England, the amiable demeanor ceased, and the Springboks adopted an aggressive stance. When questioned about his counterpart, Steve Borthwick, Rassie Erasmus initially expressed a degree of understanding in his remarks. This sentiment, however, was brief. “When you lose two games, even if it’s by a point or last-minute try, the pressure does start to build,” Erasmus stated, referring to an autumn start that has extended England’s losing streak to four matches in total. “I’ve been there and certainly know how quickly that can get to you. Now Steve is a bit under pressure. “It depends on your CEO – they can make you feel like you have got a gun against your head.” The Rugby Football Union currently has no intention of making a drastic change. Although a loss to South Africa two years prior led to the departure of his predecessor, Eddie Jones, the RFU has committed to supporting Borthwick for the foreseeable future, having approved central contracts last month to bolster his position. Nevertheless, circumstances can evolve. A P45 (termination notice) was issued merely eight months after similar assurances were given to Jones. A loss would cause Borthwick’s winning percentage – presently 13 victories from 26 matches – to fall below 50%. England would then have experienced five consecutive Test match defeats, a first since 2018. Should they suffer a 15-point defeat, coupled with Australia achieving a victory by a comparable margin in Cardiff on Sunday, England would drop to eighth in the world rankings, equaling a historical low. South Africa, the reigning world champions for two consecutive terms, holds the top position in the rankings. However, the performance disparity between the two teams during actual play is seldom as pronounced as it appears statistically. Two of the previous three encounters between these teams at Twickenham were determined by a solitary point. Their Rugby World Cup semi-final last year also concluded with a similar narrow margin. The Springboks entered that match as strong favorites, yet found themselves nine points behind with 12 minutes remaining. They ultimately secured a win through an RG Snyman try and a 77th-minute penalty kick from Handre Pollard. Borthwick’s strategic approach and the challenging weather conditions were instrumental in evening the contest in Paris. England employed a strategy of high kicks towards the Stade de France sky, launching numerous aerial balls for wings Elliot Daly and Jonny May to pursue, while their energized forward pack competed equally with the Springboks in set-pieces and at the gain-line. This approach was characterized by significant structure, minimal risk, and proved exceptionally difficult for opponents. This mirrored Leicester’s style under Borthwick during their Premiership title victory in 2022. It is perhaps not unexpected that Borthwick has opted to revert to this stabilizing strategy. Leicester scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet returns to the lineup, replacing Ben Spencer, with the responsibility of delivering quick passes to Marcus Smith and executing high kicks. Jack van Poortvliet is making his first appearance for England since sustaining ankle ligament damage during a warm-up fixture prior to the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Freddie Steward, recognized as England’s premier aerial full-back, possessing a 6ft 5in stature and an agile leap, is back to manage high balls defensively. Sam Underhill steps in for the injured Tom Curry and is expected to be a formidable presence against the South African forwards throughout the match, even if his turnover threat at the breakdown is not identical. The Northampton duo, Ollie Sleightholme and Tommy Freeman – who possess a height advantage over their opposing numbers Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse and are encouraged by officials’ stricter enforcement against ‘escorting’ running lines by receiving teams – will spearhead the kick-chase. “We know if we deliver our game plan, give 100%, we’ll get the result,” Freeman stated. Ellis Genge previously featured an image of Mike Tyson on his boots. He received a message of good fortune from the former heavyweight world champion during Japan 2019. The prop is likely familiar with Tyson’s well-known remark regarding strategies – that everyone has one until they face adversity. The Springboks’ potent front row constitutes their primary offensive combination. This unit will once again aim to overpower England. A late shift in scrum dominance altered the course of the 2023 semi-final, leading to England’s defeat and South Africa’s progression to the final. Genge and his fellow substitute, Kyle Sinckler, proved incapable of restraining the powerful scrummaging of Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, with Genge conceding the decisive, match-winning penalty under intense pressure. “It is something that I will carry with me for the rest of my career at least,” Genge informed BBC Sport earlier this week. “It’s another game, another week but you obviously carry a bit of animosity from previous encounters.” This video can not be played. Genge stated he will carry the World Cup semi-final defeat ‘with me for the rest of my career’. Steward acknowledged that his recollections of that semi-final remain equally vivid and, when questioned about settling accounts with the Springboks, responded with a single word: “Definitely.” The aftermath of their last encounter – which included post-match altercations and an accusation, refuted by Bongi Mbonambi, of a racial slur directed at Tom Curry – indicates that this rematch will be charged with both personal and physical intensity. Owen Farrell and Danny Care responded after being provoked by Willie Le Roux at the final whistle in Paris last autumn. However, given the forecast for dry weather, South Africa possesses the capability to employ precise tactics in addition to brute force. A back three comprising Kolbe, Arendse, and the agile full-back Aphelele Fassi has the potential to dismantle England on the counter-attack, especially if the home team’s kicks are overhit or if chaotic broken-field play arises from loose balls. Fly-half Manie Libbok, who was substituted by Pollard just over thirty minutes into the France 2023 semi-final, possesses significant motivation and the capacity to disrupt England’s blitz defence with his game-breaking skills. England must find a balance between fierce intensity and astute coordination; otherwise, they risk committing recurring mistakes. This presents a formidable challenge, as is consistently the case when facing South Africa. Fortunately for Borthwick – and partly due to him – England typically rises to such occasions. Sandi Toksvig will be joined by Gyles Brandreth, Lulu, Emmanuel Sonubi, and Alan Davies. Audiences can sing along to Queen, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Katy Perry, and more. Ben Fogle and Kate Humble return for the celebrations at Longleat Safari Park. Topics range from microplastics in our air, soil, and waterways to the amount of food waste generated at this time of year. © 2024 BBC. 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