The Springbok's 2021 campaign will come to an end at Twickenham this Saturday where they will take on an England outfit they last locked horns with in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
England v South Africa
Saturday 20 November
Twickenham
17:15
To Win Match
England 12/10 | Draw 20/1 | South Africa 7/10
Handicap
England (+2.5) 9/10 | South Africa (-2.5) 9/10
Make no mistake about it, this is the big one for The Springboks. While it was vital for them to secure wins over Wales and Scotland, Saturday’s Test against Eddie Jones’ men will be used as the yardstick to determine whether this was a successful jaunt to Europe or not.
So what will lie in wait for the Springboks at Twickenham? Well, they won’t have to deal with old foe Owen Farrel, with the veteran English back being ruled out through an ankle injury. They won’t have to deal with Farrell’s long-standing Saracens teammate, Jamie George, either as the hooker is out with a knee problem.
The loss of Farrell may just be a coup for the English, however, as Marcus Smith is likely to be partnered by Manu Tuilangi in the 10-12 pairing. Tuilangi may not have the game management skills of Farell but his powerful running and a crash ball capabilities may just make him the perfect foil for the mercurial Smith.
Of course, whether or not the big English centre can achieve gainline dominance against Lukhanyo Am and Damian de Allende remains to be seen. The South African midfield duo have been rock-solid this year and will relish the upcoming battle.
As was alluded to earlier, both teams have enjoyed a solid close to the year with this weekend’s hosts beating Tonga 69-3 and then Australia 32-15, while South Africa have notched up wins over Wales (23-18) and Scotland (15-30).
Looking at the team news now, England are yet to announce their side but we’re bound to see changes in the front row and back division. While the front row switches are rather had to forecast at this point, I can see England starting with a midfield combo of Tuilagi and Henry Slade.
South Africa, on the other hand, have already announced their matchday 23 and it looks a very strong side with Handre Pollard and Cobus Reinach coming into the ten and nine berths, while Lood de Jaeger will partner Eben Etzebeth in the second row.
The English will need to front up to the physicality of the Boks’ pack if they are to have any chance of winning here. Ox Nche scrummed like a man possessed last weekend and will be licking his lips at the prospect of lining up against Kyle Sinckler, who is more well-known for his handling skills than this ability to scrum.
If the South Africans are able to win the physical battle and force the English backs onto the back foot, they’ll have won half the battle already. Sam Underhill, Courtney Lawes and Tom Curry – if they are selected – will need to front up to the Boks in the loose.
They won’t only have the Springboks’ loose trio of Siya Kolisi, Kwagga Smith and Duanne Vermuelen to worry about, either. De Allende, Am, Malcolm Marx and Steven Kitshoff are all outstanding “jacklers” in their how right and will be lurking around the breakdown to pounce on any isolated English ball carriers.
Verdict: England (+2.5) 9/10
I think the absence of Farrell has made this a far more threatening English outfit. The Boks have struggled against sides fielding pacy tens in recent years with Ritchie Mo’unga often having a field day against them. I feel Smith will bring the same gainline threat, which is why I’m leaning towards the hosts for the win, but back the (+2.5) handicap if you’re looking for that two-point buffer.
