5 Things Learned from England’s Latest Victory over South Africa

After ending a 10 year losing streak to the Springboks on the weekend, what was learned from England’s latest victory?  Here are five points to consider:

1. That South Africa are not quite the physical force they once were.

   Behemoths aside in Etzebeth and de Jager, the Springboks do not quite have that ferocious power they have traditionally possessed, particularly in the recent past when the likes of Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Schalk Burger, Os du Randt and Pierre Spies would be present to break oppositions down physically before allowing their backs to pile on the points. They are still a challenge that has to be met and Eddie Jones picked a pack to do that both at the set piece and in the contact area but the all-conquering crushing power has deserted the men in green for now.

2. That Joe Launchbury is every inch the international second row (and future captain) and that England are blessed with riches in the engine room.

   It may have been the partnership between Maro Itoje and George Kruis at lock that has been the bedrock that this victorious run has been built on but it was former first choice pairing – Joe Launchbury and Courtney Lawes – that continued that streak and proved that despite injuries to England’s latest finds, there is huge strength in depth in the second row, particularly when you think that Josh Beaumont,

   Dave Atwood and Charlie Ewels are all waiting in the wings for their chance to add weight to the scrum and options in the lineout.

3. That Dylan Hartley is a good leader and captain, but might not be the best hooker in England right now.

   Eddie Jones’ somewhat controversial appointment as captain back before the Six Nations has come good for him showing real maturity and control whilst maintaining a level of aggression and passion that so mark out his game. However, that may not be enough for him to keep his starting place ahead of Saracens’ Jamie George whose all round game is currently of a higher standard than that of the captain’s. A lot will depend on whether Jones’ mind-set is his captain is his captain and his leadership qualities are as important as his performances, yet we have seen numerous examples of the Head Coach’s ruthlessness in order to make sure the team functions at its optimum level.

4. That there are other exceptional 13’s out there as well as Jonathan Joseph.

   Although there was speculation that Joseph had a little niggle on Saturday which was what led Eddie Jones to select Elliot Daly in the starting XV, the coach himself made no reference to the injury as a direct consequence of the decision. Rather, Jones is trying to understand the wealth of talent he has available to him. Daly brings the same strength in defence and attacking nous that the Bath man does, with an added dimension in the kicking stakes. Having a guy that can be such a dangerous strike runner, be solid in defence but also offer plenty of options.The threat of three points from up to 65 metres out, or the ability to release pressure from within the red zone gives the team an awful lot of options. Many Joseph fan have faith in his ability to honour the shirt for a while, but Daly may just have the armory to make it his own.

5. That only Eddie Jones knows when he intends to give Alex Goode a run out at 15.

   Whilst Jones has been keen to stress his desire to try different players in various positions, the one in which he has been consistent in his selection is at full back where Mike Brown has been selected for every game under Jones’ stewardship. He told Sky Sports this week: “I want people to deserve their opportunity. I’m only going to select people who are better than what we have at the moment or potentially can be better.” There are many that would suggest Goode both ‘deserves his place’ in the team and that he offers ‘greater potential’ from the 15 berth than Brown. Whilst reliable, Mike Brown has not been scintillating with ball in hand of late.

5 Things Learned from England’s Latest Victory

This weekend may be the game when we see Jones change his pattern in the back three, with potentially an entirely new trio being picked–but as followers of English rugby have learned, only he will know whether that is likely.

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Saturday 19^th November – England v Fiji                                14.30   Twickenham

Saturday 26^th November – England v Argentina                    14.30   Twickenham

Saturday 3^rd December – England v Australia                         14.30   Twickenham

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