As the Springboks gear up for their opening clash against England at Ellis Park this Saturday, former captains Jean de Villiers and Schalk Burger have expressed cautious optimism, hinting at the possibility of an English upset. Coming off warm-up wins against the Barbarians and Zimbabwe, the world champions face a significant challenge in their first major test of the year, a situation where they've historically started slow, according to Burger.
During a recent discussion on the Boks Unpacked x The Verdict podcast, Burger elaborated on the team's typical early-season form. "I think the Boks always start a little bit slower," he noted, recalling past performances.
"If this was four games into the Boks’ season, look at the two Tests last year against Italy – those were not simple affairs."
He further referenced a game against Australia at the same venue, which showcased "the best 20 minutes of rugby then 60 minutes of nothing."Despite these early hurdles, Burger remains confident in the team's ability to peak at the right time, citing their dominant displays by the end of last season's Rugby Championship and autumn internationals. "I think if ever there was a chance for England, it would be this fixture," he added, pointing out the strategic timing that could favor the visiting team.
De Villiers shared his concerns, particularly influenced by England's recent performance in their domestic league. "I’m nervous, hey," admitted the former centre.
"It does feel like, despite the results that England had during the Six Nations, it does feel as if they’re on a bit of a high because of the quality of the playoffs in the Premiership. I think it’s everything to lose for us as South Africa."
Highlighting the strategic decisions for the upcoming game, Burger supported Rassie Erasmus' choice of a five-three split on the replacements bench. "You've got your starting team, and that’s always a thing for us. But then you look at the bench," he said, singling out Cameron Hanekom who replaces Kwagga Smith in a role that "suits him – he can be amazing." With no flyhalf named on the bench, Damian Willemse will cover that position, alongside other versatile players like André Esterhuizen, Marco van Staden, and Jan-Hendrik Wessels, showcasing the depth and adaptability of the Springboks' squad.
As the match approaches, the stakes are high, with England looking to secure their first victory over the Boks since 2021. The outcome of this match will not only reflect the current state of these two rugby powerhouses but also set the tone for their seasons ahead.