SuperSport’s Mallett warns the Boks

[rpm]

Nick Mallett has warned the Springboks not to be over-confident against England, pointing to their big improvement under new coach Stuart Lancaster as a sign of the danger they pose.

England arrive in South Africa on Thursday for a five-match tour that includes three Tests, all of which will be broadcast exclusively live on SuperSport.

The former Springbok coach, now an analyst for SuperSport, said that once England got to grips with what Lancaster wanted in the Six Nations, they finished strongly. Ireland were belted and France were beaten in Paris; two notable achievements.

“He’s opted for a younger squad because the older players have let them down. Guys like Owen Farrell and Danny Care represent the best of them, while Manu Tuilagi is very powerful, unlike anyone England has produced,” said Mallett.

“Their front row is very good, having dominated Ireland and even Italy, who are traditionally very strong in this area. Dan Cole, Dylan Hartley and Alex Corbisiero could give the Boks real problems.

“Their lineout, scrum and kicking game is impressive and Chris Robshaw, the captain, has instilled a feel-good factor and will be up for it after winning the league with Leicester this past weekend.”

Mallett expects that the first Test in Durban will be the hardest for SA. England will have had a longer break that the Springboks, won’t suffer from jetlag and will be playing at the coast.

“Back here, our Super Rugby sides will be going at it hammer and tongs this weekend. A lot of the England game will have to be played purely on passion and heart – there just isn’t enough time for detailed game plans. It will very much come down to forward dominance. If the Boks can do that, it will allow Morné Steyn to kick drops and penalties. If not, it could develop into a long, hard tour.”

For SuperSport, meanwhile, Matthew Pearce and former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad will head up the English commentary team, with Hennie Koortzen and Kobus Wiese on Afrikaans duty and Kaunda Ntunja and Makhaya Jack doing Xhosa.

Hugh Bladen will commentate on the midweek matches.

Springbok icons Victor Matfield and Joel Stransky will be on the sidelines, while former England and British Lions international Stuart Barnes will offer expert analysis throughout the series.

With experienced Xola Ntshinga anchoring, studio experts will be Mallett, Naas Botha and Ashwin Willemse.

The Test matches will have a one-hour buildup, which will include live crossings to venue, plus post-match wraps.

Fifteen countries have already signed up for SuperSport’s international feed.

Test matches will be repeated on SS4 for Compact viewers at 7pm on the respective Saturdays.

[Devill]

Must say that the Poms have shown that they are not to be taken lightly in the 6 Nations.

I wonder if we will see as many scrum resets as with the S15 games and how quick the Refs will flip the coin to decide who to penalize.

Hope the SA players have some gas left in the tank coming from the S15

[McT]

Must say that the Poms have shown that they are not to be taken lightly in the 6 Nations.

I wonder if we will see as many scrum resets as with the S15 games and how quick the Refs will flip the coin to decide who to penalize.

Hope the SA players have some gas left in the tank coming from the S15

This is my concern. Players have been played their hearts out and will no break at all, they are expected to play even harder. I'd say advantage England.

[MickeyD]

/off to search for the appointed referees for the 3 Tests

[MickeyD]

South Africa vs England at Kings Park, Durban
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
Assistant referees: Alain Rolland (Ireland), Simon McDowell (Ireland)
Television match official: Iain Ramage (Scotland)

South Africa vs England at Coca Cola Park, Johannesburg
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Steve Walsh (Australia), Simon McDowell (Ireland)
Television match official: Iain Ramage (Scotland)

South Africa vs England at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
Assistant referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), John Lacey (Ireland)
Television match official: Giulio De Santis (Italy)

[Devill]

This is my concern. Players have been played their hearts out and will no break at all, they are expected to play even harder. I'd say advantage England.

I also think that we have the better qaulity players BUT we are "tired". I think the Poms and the Boks are both in with a 50% chance of winning this 3 test series.

/off to search for the appointed referees for the 3 Tests

Lol, this will be interesting... Northen or South Hem. Refs might make a big difference.

[MickeyD]

Lol, this will be interesting... Northen or South Hem. Refs might make a big difference.

My thoughts exactly!

[SinghDude]

SA will win at home.


I hate the Poms.

[Devill]

SA will win at home.

I hate the Poms.

Think it will be a lot harder than most South africans think.

[SinghDude]

Think it will be a lot harder than most South africans think.

I think the English think that they are that damn good. THEY ARE NOT !!!!


Any of our top 3 provincial teams could give the Poms a run for their money. SA has enough depth in talent....

Barring any more injuries to influential players i believe the Springboks will be too strong, it will be a sad day losing to the Poms at home.

[Devill]

I think the English think that they are that damn good. THEY ARE NOT !!!!

Any of our top 3 provincial teams could give the Poms a run for their money. SA has enough depth in talent....

Barring any more injuries to influential players i believe the Springboks will be too strong, it will be a sad day losing to the Poms at home.

Think we will take it 2-1 or at least one, if not all of the games, will be very close.