Eyeing the Champions: Jamie George believes England’s dominant set-piece in Paris proves they can challenge the Springboks when they head to Johannesburg this July. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Despite losing four matches in a row in the Six Nations, the England rugby team, to a large extent, redeemed themselves in the eyes of their supporters with an ambitious performance in losing 48-46 to France in Paris at the weekend.
The visitors lost to a last-minute penalty by Thomas Ramos. Still, the seven tries they scored, and their forward dominance, have the English players looking forward to their next match — against South Africa — with confidence.
England play the Springboks in Johannesburg on July 4 and have further Nations Cup matches against Fiji and Argentina.
“Can we go toe-to-toe with the Boks? Yes, we can,” hooker Jamie George told the Guardian. George was in the middle of a powerful England scrumming performance that overshadowed their French adversaries.
“I think we can take on the South Africans. Our set-piece is in a great spot,” added George, who has said he learned plenty about front row play from former Springbok captain John Smit during the latter’s time at Saracens in London.
“South Africa haven’t played for 10 months. It’s very difficult for us to comment on where they’re at, but they are world-class,” George said. “They’re the best team in the world. Playing them in Johannesburg is a difficult place to play, but what an amazing opportunity that we’ve got with a great group of players.
“We’re going to be excited about that one. We haven’t played them in a while. I can’t wait. I wish it were next week.”
The last time England were in South Africa was in 2018. Rassie Erasmus had just taken over as Bok coach.
The Boks won the first two Tests — in Joburg and Bloemfontein — before losing the third in Cape Town. That England win under Eddie Jones is the only England win in South Africa this century.
George also gave a thumbs-up to coach Steve Borthwick, who went to Paris under enormous pressure to keep his job.
“Steve is one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked under. Under Steve, I think we will be right up there with the favourites to win the World Cup in 2027,” George said.
“We’re a great team, a great group of players, and he’s the perfect person to take us there. He has been unbelievable for English rugby, it’s crazy what has been happening over the last few weeks, and he is absolutely the right man to lead us forward for a long time.”
England flanker Sam Underhill echoed George’s sentiments about the trip to Ellis Park.
“The Boks will be a massive challenge and a massive opportunity as well,” he said.
“You always want to be playing against the best, and that’s a testament to the Springboks. They have set an incredibly high bar as a team.”