England on its way?
What face will the XV de la Rose show on Saturday (6:30 p.m. French time) in front of its public against the South African world champions?
That of his first home defeat since 2006 against Argentina (30-29) at the beginning of the month?
Or that of his incredible comeback against New Zealand last weekend to snatch a draw (25-25) after being led by 19 points with ten minutes remaining?
"
We have stepped up with every game this fall and we want to continue to do so this week
," replied coach Eddie Jones, who again intends to "
ignite Twickenham
".
"
The fans were incredible in the last ten minutes last week (against the All Blacks)
," he said.
"
I don't think I've ever experienced such an atmosphere
."
The support of the English public will not be too much against the Springboks, who hope to balance their autumn record, negative so far with two defeats against the first two nations in the world ranking, Ireland (19-16) and France (30-26) , and a big victory in Italy (63-21).
“
It would be great to end the tour on a high note
,” said their coach Jacques Nienaber, who made four changes to his starting XV, including the return to the second row of former Toulon player Eben Etzebeth.
The elders at the bedside of the Welsh
Under pressure after a humiliating defeat last Saturday in Cardiff against Georgia (13-12), Wales coach Wayne Pivac called to the rescue the very experienced Alun Wyn Jones (37 years old, 154 selections) for the reception of the Australia on Saturday (4.15 p.m.).
Emblematic figure of the Leek XV, the second line, who had not been a starter since the last Six Nations Tournament, will start alongside another former, the back Leigh Halfpenny, back in selection, soon to be 34 years old , after sixteen months out due to injury.
"
This team must allow us to get a result that we desperately need
", does not hide Pivac.
“
Everyone is extremely disappointed with last week's performance.
We know what went wrong
”.
Opposite, the Wallabies will appear without their former captain and third line Michael Hooper.
Victim of a concussion, he joined a busy infirmary after four disputed tests already this fall.
Confronted for months with a chronic lack of regularity, Australia conceded three defeats, including the first in its history against Italy (28-27).
SEE ALSO -
Everything you need to know about France-Denmark