England's South Africa Tour

Chris Robshaw with England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster

Today marks the start of England's 3 test tour in South Africa, with the team coming together in their host nation. What can we expect results wise? Player wise? Who will shine? Who will flounder?

Well to put it bluntly, it will be hard. With two mid-week games the youngsters such as Jonathon Joseph (London Irish), Joe Launchbury (London Wasps) and Carl Fearns (Bath) to be incorporated into the England set up. Along with these names, the exciting prospect of Christian Wade (London Wasps) scorer of 1 and supplier of 1 against the Barbarians may be in line for a test debut against the Bokke in one of the three tests. There will indeed be plenty of talent for England fans to feast their eyes on this Summer.

The prospects of winning a test in South Africa is much more of a challenge. One will expect two mid week wins, but the Tests will be a different matter. Despite the loss of Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield, stalwarts of the team, Heynke Meyer will have no trouble in motivating what will be a young South Africa side. Given the lack of experience for the England side and the fact that a number of the England side have never toured before with the international side doesn't bode well for the physical onslaught of the South African pack. However, one win is not beyond the realms of possibility if England are able to get some 'go forward' up front and are able to harness the power and speed of messrs Tuilagi, Ashton and Foden. 

Whatever will happen in the coming weeks it will be entertaining, eye opening and a lesson for Stuart Lancaster be it positive or negative, lets just hope it isn't a repeat of the infamous 'Tour of Hell' in 1998.