The formidable South African Springboks remain the undisputed standard-bearers in world rugby, yet evidence is mounting that England are steadily closing the gap under the guidance of Steve Borthwick. As the Springboks target a historic first win in Dublin under Rassie Erasmus to cement their position as the world's number one team, England's own autumn campaign has shown significant promise, suggesting a fascinating rivalry is brewing.
England's Formidable Foundations
England have surged to third in the world rankings, establishing themselves as the form team among the home nations and positioning them as Six Nations favourites alongside France. This rise is built on tangible improvements in three critical areas. The set piece has been transformed under Borthwick, with the scrum now a genuine force after being the best in the last Six Nations. Despite a recent wobble against New Zealand, the lineout is also expected to stabilise.
Furthermore, England now lead the statistical tables in successfully chasing kicks, a facet of the game the Springboks have mastered and one that has become integral to modern Test rugby. The breakdown work has also seen remarkable progress, with the team showing far greater ability and tenacity to compete on the floor.
Where the Springboks Still Dominate
Despite England's advances, the world champions retain clear advantages in several key departments. South Africa's use of the 'Bomb Squad' bench is still the global benchmark, with their proactive and impactful substitutions a proven game-changer. England's 'Pom Squad' has yet to demonstrate the same level of strategic devastation.
The Springboks also lead the way in player innovation and hybrid roles. While Borthwick has talked up the potential of players like Henry Pollock and Ben Earl in flexible positions, South Africa have already executed this at the highest level. They famously lost a hooker at the 2023 World Cup only to bring in a fly-half who kicked them to the trophy, with stars like Cheslin Kolbe taking lineouts and André Esterhuizen covering both centre and flanker.
Defence is another area where South Africa remain streets ahead. This autumn, they have scored 125 points while conceding just 38 across three matches, a remarkable feat achieved despite receiving two red cards. This highlights a defensive system that operates at an elite level, even when a player down.
The Road to the 2027 World Cup
The ultimate test will come at the 2027 World Cup in Australia, where South Africa will be aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive title. Their prowess in knockout rugby is undeniable, but questions linger over the age profile of their squad and how many current stars will make it to the next tournament.
This presents a significant long-term advantage for Borthwick's England. Barring one or two exceptions, virtually every member of the current England squad is on course for the 2027 World Cup. Borthwick has already shown his forward planning by omitting players like Tom Willis once it became clear they wouldn't be available. This certainty over his playing pool is a major asset that England must maximise if they are to finally upstage the Springboks on the world's biggest stage.
