The Rugby World Cup clash between powerhouses England and South Africa will not only determine who tops Pool A - but also provide the winners an easier path to the semi-final.

With Scotland or Italy standing between them and the last four, both teams know that victory is essential as the losers will find their road to the semi-final goes through the Wallabies.

England enjoyed a period of dominance over the Springboks for a number of years until the end of 2006, when South Africa beat them at Twickenham. And this summer a second-string England touring side were thrashed in a two-game Test series in which the Boks racked up more than 50 points in both matches.

'The pressure will be on Catt to direct the English back line against the fierce rushing defence of the Springboks'


Both teams go into this game affected by injuries and suspensions. Springbok flanker Schalk Burger is out after copping a two-match ban for an awful tackle on Samoan scrum-half Junior Polu, while England captain Phil Vickery is serving a two-game suspension for his foot trip on USA’s Paul Emerick.

England’s 2003 World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson was not considered for this game as his hamstring injury is still healing. His replacement Olly Barkley, who performed so well against the Eagles, is also out with a hip injury and South African centre Jean de Villiers has gone home after tearing his bicep against Samoa.

In his first outing of the World Cup, Springbok winger Brian Habana was unstoppable, running in four tries against Samoa and sounding a warning to his opposite number that he will have his hands full. After losing his top two fly-halves to injury, England coach Brian Ashton has turned to 71-Test veteran Mike Catt to play the pivotal role with Andy Farrell slotting in at inside centre. While the two have already stated they will switch roles throughout the match, the pressure will be on Catt to direct the English back line against the fierce rushing defence of the Springboks.

The England pack did not cover themselves in glory against a much-weaker USA eight, committing too few players to the breakdown and trying to run like backs, which they did poorly. Up against a South African pack known for their ferocity and confrontational style, the English forwards will need to roll up their sleeves and do a lot of hard work. Gaining parity will not be enough against the Springboks; the English pack will need to dominate up front and impose their will on their opponents if they are to win.

Both on paper and on recent performances, this game would appear to be a foregone conclusion for the Springboks, but this World Cup has already produced one major upset and a number of other slam-dunk games have turned out to be anything but. However, England will require a form reversal of monumental proportions if they are to go from the disjointed and rusty team that played against the USA to a team capable of beating South Africa.

Expect the Springboks to win this one at a canter and signal the beginning of the end for the defending champions.

Do England have any chance at all of upsetting the odds? Post your comments below or write and article of your own for Sportingo.