The ‘Brighton Miracle’ in 2015 happened when Borthwick was Japan’s forward coach
’s hopes and dreams but in certain respects it was a spectacular one-off. Those English supporters seeking a more relevant historical precedent might just be better off casting their minds backcould possibly lose on that Saturday afternoon in September. They did not take into account Japan’s bright young forwards coach, one Steve Borthwick, who had been plotting the Springboks’ downfall for months. From the opening minute South Africa’s fans could scarcely believe their eyes.
Luke Thompson of Japan drives through the South Africa defence during Japan’s famous victory over the Springboks at Brighton during the 2015 World Cup. Photograph: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty It is also a team designed to adhere to the Borthwick mantra: stay in the fight for as long as possible, no matter what. In many ways, too, this is a less problematic type of fixture for England than France would have been. There is pace and subtlety in the Bok backline but no one is in any doubt whatsoever which areas they will primarily be targeting. If the English foundations cannot stand firm, as they found in Yokohama, the rest will be largely irrelevant.
The odds on a possible upset shorten a little further, moreover, when you factor in that the highly rated Aled Walters, the strength and conditioning guru who helped South Africa to their 2019 title, is now working in the red rose corner, England are still priced at 14-1 with Betfair to win the World Cup but good luck telling England’s most eager forward, Ben Earl, there is no point in him turning up.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Can Borthwick's England prove the world wrong and shock the Boks?South Africa are 13-point favourites and England will have to find an altogether new gear to beat them.
Read more »
Conor McGregor Named Sexiest Man Of 2015The website for Irish women
Read more »
5 talking points as England qualify for Euro 2024 after beating Italy at WembleyENGLAND 3-1 ITALY: Harry Kane scored twice as Gareth Southgate's side came from behind to get revenge for defeat in the Euro 2020 final and qualify for Euro 2024 at Wembley
Read more »
Rassie Erasmus is expecting England to have 'beef' with South AfricaThe Springboks directer of rugby is stoking the flames ahead of the big match.
Read more »
England brush past Italy to clinch Euro 2024 qualification with two games to spareA Harry Kane brace, along with Marcus Rashford’s second-half strike, sealed a 3-1 win at Wembley.
Read more »
Kane and Rashford seal England’s place at Euro 24 with comeback win over ItalySoutgate’s men in impressive form as they avengeEuro 2020 final defeat
Read more »