MARK KEOHANE is confident of a showcase performance from the world champion Springboks in London on Saturday, worthy of their status as the form team on the planet.

Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane asserts that Rassie Erasmus has chosen a formidable lineup for the clash with England at Twickenham. The Boks have lost just twice this year, both by a single point.

Keohane emphasises Erasmus’ adaptability throughout 2024, with an average of nine changes per match, yet the Bok squad’s depth remains unrivalled.

He believes tighthead prop Wilco Louw’s selection targets England’s forward power, underscoring Erasmus’ strategic foresight.

 

Keohane highlights the attacking potential of the backline, led by Manie Libbok and Grant Williams, who are set to ignite the game from the outset.

Handre Pollard’s experience off the bench addresses any goal-kicking concerns around Libbok, but Keohane suggests the Boks’ ability to score tries should be their winning edge.

“The Springboks return to Twickenham, now the Allianz Stadium, as the official world No 1 team, the World Cup champions, the Rugby Championship winners, and they do so with the best possible match 23 coach Rassie Erasmus could have selected,” he writes.

“For the Springboks, any Test against England in south-west London is a big one. It is usually a battle that has not always favoured the Boks.

“The Boks are heavily favoured to win, and rightly so. They arrive in Twickenham as the world’s best, featuring a match 23 with the world’s best and should be expected to leave having put on an exhibition that does justice to their profile as the world’s best.”