South Africa vs England: 2nd Test - Preview

Jonathan Joseph Earns His First Start

Teams:

England                             South Africa

Foden               15          Lambie

Ashton              14          Pietersen

Joseph              13          De Villiers

Tuilagi               12          F.Steyn

Strettle              11          Habana

Flood                10          M.Steyn

Youngs              9          Hougaard 

Morgan              8          Spies

Robshaw            7          Alberts

Johnson             6          Coetzee

Botha                5          Etzebeth

Parling               4          J Kruger

Cole                   3          J.Du Plessis

Hartley               2          B.Du Plessis

Marler                1          Mtawarira 

Replacements

Corbisiero                      Strauss

Mears                            W Kruger

Palmer                           van der Merwe

Dowson                         Daniel

Dickson                         Piaenaar

Flood                            Basson

Goode                           Olivier

Key Battles

Joseph vs De Villiers

The exceptionally talented Jonathan Joseph gets a well deserved test start, however he is up against one of the best outside centres in the world. De Villiers will be reliant on it being a tight game in which case his extra 10cm and 13kg will help him, however, if the game opens up, expect young Jonathan to leave De Villiers in his wake, he has the pace of a winger and the feet to match. I believe that whilst Joseph might have some success with ball in hand, the overall advantage must go to the Springbok captain who rarely sets a foot wrong. 

Verdict - De Villiers

Botha v Etzebeth

This is unchanged from last week, it's still a key battle. We predicted Mouritz would have the upper hand and he most certainly did with not only 10 out of 10 own lineouts won but also 3 steals on South African ball. Whilst Etzebeth will have his day, he is an exceptionally talented giant of a man, I believe the most experienced and strong Botha will hold the advantage once again. Etzebeth, despite weighing 123kg, sometimes looked like a lost lanky teenager on the pitch- a talented player but not up to the Matfield/Botha standard yet.

Verdict  - Botha

Foden V Lambie

If this game breaks down into a battle of the 15s, South Africa certainly have something to worry about. Whist Lambie might be able to out-kick Foden, due to the fact he is essentially a fly half, when it comes to running, Foden has a big edge. I see Foden as the 3rd best fullback in the world (Dagg and Kearney ahead) and if I was a South African, I'd certainly hope Houghaard, Steyn and co judge their kicks well- which in fairness, they usually do. 

Verdict - Foden

Prediction

What we were reminded of in the first game is just how physical the South Africans can be and I believe they'll batter England down. I expect this game to produce more tries and J Joseph and Foden are certainly the players to watch, they can both beat their opposite number with ease if they use their pace. Flood has been brought in to match the South African kicking game and I believe he will give his opposite number trouble. Some England players must play well to hold their place; Youngs has two number 9s behind him in better form, Morgan didn't cut it in the first game whereas both Waldrom and Haskell impressed midweek and Marler despite playing well will do well to hold onto his place ahead of Corbisiero. For the South Africans, their side is as conservative as ever but their strong ball carriers of Alberts and Spies give them a physical edge. 

Verdict - The match is going to be very close. I believe England will lose narrowly (less than 5 points) despite a higher scoring game that the neutral will enjoy. England will neutralise the South African set piece but once again loose out to physicality, experience and a superior kicking game. 


by Chris Sumner-Smith (@csumnersmith)