Ruck & Run Rugby
Independent Springbok Media
South Africa open their Nations Championship campaign at Twickenham on 4 July — and the fixture computer has been cruel to both teams. England, smarting from a Six Nations that promised more than it delivered, will treat this as a statement game. The Springboks, defending world champions, arrive with a squad that blends experience and exciting new talent.
Twickenham in July is a different beast. The Boks know that better than anyone.
What to watch at Twickenham
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The set-piece battle will define this one. England's scrum has improved under their new forwards coach, but South Africa's pack remains the benchmark. If the Boks win the scrum count, expect Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to pull the strings with front-foot ball.
In the back row, the duel between Pieter-Steph du Toit and England's ball carrier at six could swing momentum. Du Toit's work rate over 80 minutes is unmatched — England need a plan to tire him out, not just tackle him.
Prediction: Springboks by 7. England compete for an hour, but the Boks' bench — led by a fresh front row — takes the game away in the final quarter. First try scorer? Watch the wingers off set piece: Jordan Horn is due a big international moment.