Abject England kicked to defeat
England lost 0-36 in a dismal display that it is hard to find any positives from. Set piece play worked for the team but from there on they lost in all departments. The Springboks kicked them into defence, ruled the breakdown and took some soft tries. Du Preez the Boks scrumhalf had a massive game and turned England at every opportunity as did Butch James. It was the first 10 minutes of the game that set the tone as the Springboks rushed to a 10-0 lead, and by half time at 20 -0 down England were out of it. England tried to compete but whereas the Boks had quick ball England’s was slow. Jason Robinson whizzed and Josh Lewsey tackled but that was as good as it got. There is a real fear that against Samoa and Tonga England will not be strong enough to control the breakdown and win through these games.
Gottfried Mader said,
September 15, 2007 @ 8:59 am
What a whipping! Nothing less than we expected from the Boks! Vrystaat!
Peter said,
September 15, 2007 @ 10:20 am
You just need to keep it going and it will be you v the All Blacks for the final!
Sean Pienaar said,
September 18, 2007 @ 3:53 am
Nobody believes the springboks can do it overseas . Springbok teams have always had talent and strength . But this team unlike past teams has a bit of brains (Matfield and Du Preez) , and massive pace on the wings (Habana especially) . Even if they dont win the cup , they are at this moment in time a serious force in world rugby , they are back in the top 2 in my view , where they belong . Dont under rate F.Steyn either , he is special . Its also a pitty that the boks best player had to go home , namely Pierre Spies