This clash promises intensity as both teams seek to assert dominance in a fierce rugby rivalry. England will be out for revenge having lost the World Cup semi final by a single point last time the two sides met.
Form and Context
England enter the game under pressure, having suffered recent losses to Southern Hemisphere opponents Australia and New Zealand. Whilst there were a lot of positives to take from the All-Blacks game, last weekend’s defeat to Australia came as a bit of a shock, with England having started the game 15-point favourites. Coach Steve Borthwick has decided to shuffle the pack and has made notable changes, including Freddie Steward returning at full-back and Jack van Poortvliet starting at scrumhalf, in a bid to stabilize a struggling side.
Meanwhile, South Africa, led by inspirational captain Siya Kolisi, are on a high after defeating Scotland last week and winning the Rugby Championship. They have made 12 changes to the team that started against Scotland as coach Rassie Erasmus reverts to what is considered the Boks strongest lineup. Their lineup boasts formidable players like Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Cheslin Kolbe. However, despite fielding seven forwards on the bench in the 32-15 win over Scotland, head coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for a conventional five forwards-three backs split among his replacements.
Key Matchup
The forward battle will be critical, with England’s Maro Itoje and Jamie George facing off against South Africa’s RG Snyman and Bongi Mbonambi. The Springboks’ renowned physicality will be a test for this England team, and with the likes of Malcolm Marx, Vincent Koch and Kwagga Smith coming off the bench, England will expect an onslaught for the full 80 minutes.
Marcus Smith has impressed at flyhalf for England and boos rang out last week when there was a suggestion he might be taken off. His opposite number is Mannie Libbok, perhaps a surprise starter after his nightmare first half against England in the semi-final. That resulted in Libbok being brought off before half time, but coach Erasmus has opted to give Libbok another chance to prove himself and all eyes will be on him to see if he can keep the backline firing.
Predictions
South Africa’s recent form and depth make them favourites, but England will look to leverage the home advantage and disrupt their opponents’ rhythm. England has started well in previous matches and could do the same again this time. The Springboks are an 80 minute, 23 man team and will not be perturbed by a fast England start. Backing England to win at half time looks the bet at a boosted price of 2/1. Expect the Boks to win the match though so the Double Result market is also tempting. England to win at half time and South Africa full time at a boosted price of 6/1 could be worth a punt.
Whatever happens, we can expect a thrilling and hard-fought contest as both sides battle for supremacy in this historic rugby rivalry
Tips
1st Half Winner – England @ 2/1
Double Result – England/South Africa @ 6/1