The Battle Lines are Drawn as England and South Africa Prepare for Clash of the Titans
The excitement is palpable as the rugby union world awaits the highly anticipated showdown between England and South Africa. Hours before Steve Borthwick unveiled his starting lineup, South Africa’s director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, couldn’t resist a bit of playful mind games, predicting that Freddie Steward would indeed be England’s full-back – a decision Erasmus deemed an indication of the pressure Borthwick is facing.
Erasmus, who has overseen South Africa’s recent dominance over England, acknowledged the unique challenges that come with back-to-back defeats, even if they are by the slimmest of margins.
“When you lose two games, even if it’s by a point or last-minute try, the pressure does start to build,” he said, having experienced similar situations himself. However, Erasmus is confident that Borthwick, a seasoned tactician, will not succumb to emotional decisions, but rather stay true to his convictions.
True to Erasmus’ prediction, Steward has been reinstated as England’s full-back, a move Borthwick believes will be crucial in dealing with the Springboks’ aerial bombardment.
“Freddie’s attitude has been brilliant and the team that kicks more contestable kicks than anybody in the world is South Africa,” the England head coach explained. “Everything shows they’re head and shoulders above everybody in terms of the number of times they kick contestable.”
Borthwick has also made several other changes to his starting XV, including the selection of Jack van Poortvliet at scrum-half and the inclusion of flanker Sam Underhill and winger Ollie Sleighthome. The England boss remains unfazed by the recent run of narrow defeats, emphasizing his squad’s determination to take the game to the world champions.
As the two sides gear up for a titanic clash, the contrasting moods between the coaches are palpable. While Erasmus has already discovered the winning formula, Borthwick knows that the only result that truly matters is the one that will be decided on the pitch this Saturday.
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