South Africa may not indulge in much Rassie‑dazzle, but they have recovered the winning formula after two years in which they suffered a number of humiliating defeats. It is based on an uncomplicated gameplan in which they look at their best when the opposition have the ball and get knocked back by a gang of bruising forwards.
When Rassie Erasmus took over as head coach at the beginning of last year, he pledged to make South Africa look like South Africa again, physical and strong in the set pieces, and he has been true to his word. Anyone expecting England to turn up in the World Cup final and win the trophy for the second time by taking on where they left off against New Zealand may not enjoy what they see.
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