Springboks hope to end losing streaks in Ireland and England

JOHANNESBURG, AFP: Siya Kolisi-captained world champions South Africa hope to extend a winning run over France and end losing streaks against Ireland and England when they tour Europe in November.

The Springboks have won their last three Tests in France, most recently four years ago when they snatched a 29-26 victory through a late Bongi Mbonambi pushover try.

A year earlier South Africa suffered a second straight loss in Ireland when humiliated 38-3 partly due to an inability to cope with an aerial barrage.

Results in London have been even more depressing – when South Africa tackle England at Twickenham on 26 November they will be trying to avoid a fourth consecutive loss there.

The Springboks play Ireland, France, Italy and England on consecutive Saturdays from 5 November as they seek consistency after six victories and three losses this season.

South Africa were brilliant when defeating arch rivals New Zealand 26-10 in the opening round of the Rugby Championship and woeful soon after in a 25-17 defeat by Australia in Adelaide.

Before winning four matches and losing two to finish second behind the All Blacks in the southern hemisphere tournament, the Springboks edged plucky Wales 2-1 in a mid-year series.

“We had some great moments in the Rugby Championship and also some weak moments,” said 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning skipper and loose forward Kolisi.

“The Springboks can win against any side in the world on our day,” he added, recalling the Malcolm Marx-inspired demolition of New Zealand in Mbombela.

“After our awful showing in Adelaide, we took a big step forward by winning in Sydney and then twice against Argentina, who had stunned the All Blacksearlier in the championship.” 

Kolisi added: “There are a lot of good Test teams at the moment so three victories in a row was a great achievement. “Now we head for Europe to face the teams ranked first (Ireland), second (France) and fifth (England) in the world.

“Obviously, we want to win all four Tests because that will give us momentum going into the 2023 World Cup in France.

South Africa flew to Dublin at the weekend without several first choices, including centre Lukhanyo Am and fly-half Handre Pollard, who are both injured.