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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.”