Amabokoboko are preparing for another tough fixture against England for nations tour tournament.
England are currently underperforming as they have lost all of their last four consecutive matches being played.
All of England’s four straight losses have been by seven points or less, so the Boks could be in for a big challenge against the hosts on Saturday.
Springboks coach Rasie Erasmus suggested that their game on this Saturday(kick-off 7.40pm) will be a tricky and challenging one.
Erasmus on his statement emphasized that it’s tough to lose a game on the last minute of the match as that alone pilles pressure.
He said “When you lose two games, even if it’s by a point or a last-minute try, the pressure starts to build.
“I have been there and certainly know how quickly that can get to you. One normally falls back onto what works for you.
“I think they have been successful like that in the past, so we are expecting them to try and squeeze us with their kicking game.
“I have said it openly. They tend to go to a kicking game, and their backs are expected to chase more than 80% of those kicks, which puts a lot of pressure on us, and if our backs don’t have the ability to match that, there is trouble.
“Your forwards can’t always get there (to the ball or breakdown). You get cramps and tired and a few of the guys haven’t played any rugby for five weeks, although they have kept fit.
“That’s why we have Cobus (Reinach), Handre (Pollard) and Lukhanyo (Am) on the bench.”
All of England’s four straight losses have been by seven points or less, including 16-15 and 24-17 losses against the All Blacks in New Zealand during the mid-year internationals.
Even during the past weeks they lost their match they suffered a defeat against All Blacks by a score line of 24-22 and a 42-37 defeat against the Wallabies when they led with three minutes left, both at Twickenham.
When asked about the performance of their opponents Erasmus pointed out that he does not know how they prepare and how they manage their players.
He said “For me to comment on why another team doesn’t finish in the last couple of minutes is difficult because I don’t know their plans exactly, how they play and how they manage their players. I do know they have a big management staff and a very scientific way of looking at things.
“But you look at New Zealand. They had a trend like that (losing tight games at the death) four or five matches ago. But they have turned things around and started winning matches in the last couple of minutes.
“I do know England play a very energy-sapping game, which will take a toll on the backline. But I think their rush defence also takes a toll on them. That certainly puts us under pressure, but if we can keep the ball that will tire them a bit.”
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
