South Africa v England Talking Points
The first of three Tests takes place in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Published
England and South Africa collide in Saturday’s series opener at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Here Press Association Sport examines five talking points surrounding the first of their three Tests.
England delicately poised
Crunch time for the Springbok narrative
One pre-match plot line is the idea of a South African revival made possible by the appointment of Rassie Erasmus as their new coach and the availability of their European-based players. Expectations that it will be the Springboks of old who run out at Ellis Park are built on flimsy evidence, however, as injuries and the number of debutants point to a team of unknown strength.
Altitude policy
Billy’s returned – but will he last the distance?
History made by Kolisi
