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'You need more than that': Springbok legend writes off England's chances
By Ben Smith
Springboks World Cup-winning flyhalf Joel Stransky has ruled out England’s chances of beating South Africa in their semi-final this weekend.
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England remain undefeated at this World Cup but have been less than impressive in wins over Samoa, Fiji and Japan so far.
Their most impressive performance was a gutsy win over semi-finalist Argentina where they were down to 14 men just minutes into the contest after a red card to Tom Curry.
Stransky believes that England don’t have enough and ‘need more’ to challenge the top sides such as South Africa, France, Ireland and New Zealand.
He predicted an easier game for the Springboks as England’s game is limited. They were the “weakest team” to make the final four and expected a comfortable win for the defending champions.
“England have made themselves quite a good competition side, they do the basics well but I don’t see any area of the game in which they are really strong,” Stransky told The Telegraph.
“I don’t see one element where they can dominate, they are a decent team but no more than that. They looked after the ball better against Fiji, but no part of their game sets them aside from other teams.
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“They don’t excel in any areas. They could easily have lost against Fiji again, but just about did enough. They can do the basics, but lack the excellence required to beat a stronger side, such as South Africa.”
England have had to quickly rebuild under new head coach Steve Borthwick after Eddie Jones was let go in late 2022 after the Autumn internationals.
Borthwick’s first Six Nations in charge finished in fourth place with defeats to Scotland, Ireland and a total humiliation at the hands of France.
Optimism around the England rugby team failed to improve after the warm-up internationals after losses to Wales, Ireland and Fiji.
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Stransky hasn’t been impressed with the game that England have played under their new head coach.
“They like to kick the ball a lot, get territory and try to force mistakes. But against the better teams in the world, you need more than that and from what I’ve seen I don’t feel they have it,” he said.
“I would expect the Springboks to win comfortably. I think it will be an easier game than the amazing battle with France.
“For me, England are the weakest team in the semi-finals and it would be a major surprise for me if it’s not South Africa facing New Zealand in the final.”
Weakest team? That's a dumb statement considering they smashed Argentina with 14 men.
No doubt Boks are a much better side but they're getting pretty arrogant about it…
Revenge for 2019, plus the fatigue from the France game give England an outside chance.
Oh the irony of England avenging 2019 only to punch themselves out and lose a final to NZ. I couldn't take it.
That’s the opinion of 1 person so your statement “No doubt Boks are a much better side but they're getting pretty arrogant about it…” is misplaced and more easily applied to England supporters who always get above themselves after 1 win against a 2nd tier nation. No rational rugby supporter writes England off especially after their 2019 win against the AB’s. The only reason I think SA have a tiny advantage is last Sunday’s win against France who dominated every stat except the final score. That indicates that the Springboks can now win games they weren’t supposed to like the AB’s of old that even won the games they lost.
Oh for FFS Joel! I’ve just gone and backed the Boks and now you’ve gone and jinxed it just like that Irish fella. England by 5 and under. This comment is gonna look genius on Monday. Or it’ll be deleted 😁
England must do a Jannie on the Boks every time remotely in their half go for a Ford drop goal - worse case 22 drop out so England retain ball - start process again - patient build up get to with 30 m center field - Ford takes a pop - England can beat the Boks if they play conservative rugby
They first have to get into the Boks half of the field with the ball. Not gonna happen too frequently I guess.
Wow Joel….Boks beat the Argies by 1 point in the RC and England beat them by 17 points 6 weeks ago. Ironically, with drop goals, an area Stransky should know something about… Come on Joel show some respect this is Rugby - A hooligan’s game played by “gentleman”.
The Boks also beat them by 17 points in the RC?
Its true the English aren't on there best game to be a thread to the Boks they don't dominate anywhere only there captain dominate because his always complaining instead of concentrate on winning…..I suggest they kick drop goals the whole game🤔
It’s interesting that Ben has to push a narrative of baiting the Springbok fans. It’s so tiresome.
What about the England performances over the last 8 weeks would fill any England fan with hope against the defending champions? Stransky hasn’t said anything that isn’t true. I’ve spoken to plenty of English fans that openly agree they’ve been lucky to get here. The draw is the draw and I realise that’s how it happens - so it’s a moot point and irrelevant.
We’d be far better off if someone decided to write an article (requiring actual research and facts) on the future of England rugby and where they’ll be in 2-years instead of this constant Bok-baiting cr%p.
What? No venom? Maybe it’s supposed to be sarcasm? Or maybe he’s trying to highlight saffa “arrogance”? Still, England are always a team to be respected. They can beat anybody on the day.
Haha the sad Ben Smith with nothing to say after the bok win. He’s been shitting himself since WC started. This article is just hilarious coming from him.
Still nervous about this game. Anything can happen in a knock-out game and England do have the players to cause an upset.
Joel doing his best to jinx the Boks before the SF gets played. I would suggest such comments get shelved before big matches like this. Show respect, it’s knock out rugby. May both teams play well!