Have England got any semblance of a chance against the Springboks?
Yes, if you squint and tilt your head then blob on the horizon looks a little like a chance. Seriously, anything can happen… South Africa are not a free-flowing side that will tear England apart, their game is built around power and muscle in the forward line, which is the same as England’s style (although England don’t execute it as well in recent times). So it’s not as if they are going to cut England to ribbons with scintillating attacking moves that exploit England’s weaknesses like New Zealand, France or Australia would do. I expect a scrappy, penalty-ridden game, and in that sort of contest England could well sneak it by the odd 3 points or so. I wouldn’t bet on it, but it is well within the bounds of possibility.
