England’s first match with world champions South Africa since the Rugby World Cup final next month could be in doubt if the Springboks are forced to endure yet another tightly controlled bio-bubble environment, according to Wales Online
Jacques Nienaber’s side reclaimed their position at the top of the world rankings with a 31-29 victory over the All Blacks on Saturday.
The Springboks are due to face Wales on November 6, Scotland a week later and England on November 20.
While efforts are being made to find a solution, SA Rugby president Mark Alexander has made clear it would be asking too much for the Springboks, who faced the Lions in the summer, to endure more rigid restrictions.
“Another strict bio-bubble is out of the question,” Alexander is quoted as saying. “It will break the players.”
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Fans pick their England XV for Autumn with Owen Farrell DROPPED
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 2 caps)
- 14. Anthony Watson (Bath, 55 caps)
- 11. Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons, 1 cap)
CENTRES:
- 13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 38 caps)
- 12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 44 caps)
