Key Battles: South Africa v England

Key Battles: South Africa v England

After a thrilling first test between these two sides, South Africa have the chance to secure a series win Bloemfontein on Saturday. 

Eddie Jones has made two changes to his starting line up with Brad Shields and Joe Launchbury coming into the side while Danny Cipriani is added to the bench. 

Erasmus' has also made two changes to his starting XV with Frans Malherbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit coming into the starting XV

The Tight Five


The Springbok tight five will be fired up to make it a memorable 100th test for Tendai 'Beast' Mtwararira. 

However, England's tight five will be out to prove a point having come under a lot of pressure in the first test in Johannesburg.


RG Snyman and Franco Mostert were extremely busy throughout the 80 minutes at Ellis Park, while the addition of Launchbury will certainly boost the England pack.

The Outside Backs

 

England was unable to keep the Springboks' outside backs quiet in the first test with the trio each scoring a try each.

England did cause South Africas winger's trouble scoring tries on either wing in the opening minutes of the match. 

The side that has the most lethal outside backs on the day could be on the winning side of the match. 

The Tactical Battle

The old cliche of "the game will be won or lost up front" might be true in most games in Bloemfontein but this time we are backing the battle on the blackboard to be just as important.

Both Eddie Jones and Rassie Erasmus are well known for their tactical approach to the game and will look to get the upper over their counterpart.

Jones has the advantage over previous Springbok coaches having got the better of Heyneke Meyer with Japan and Allister Coetzee with England. 

Both coaches have made selections that indicate a change in tactics with Erasmus adding an additional lock to his back row as well as naming Jesse Kriel on the bench for additional speed.

Jones has added the well-equipped Brad Shields to the back row and the versatility of Danny Cipriani on the bench. 

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