Schalk Burger impressed by Eddie Jones' England

Schalk Burger impressed by Eddie Jones’ England

  • Schalk Burger compares England to 2007 South African World-Cup winning side
  • The flanker won 86 caps for South Africa during a glittering 12-year Test career
  • Burger now packs down with England internationals Billy Vunipola, Maro Itoje and Mako Vunipola at Saracens
Schalk Burger believes the current crop of England players reminds him of South Africa’s 2007 World Cup-winning side.

The Saracens flanker, who made 86 caps and lifted the Webb Ellis trophy in 2007, feels there are many similarities between England stars today and his World Cup-winning Springbok side nine years ago.

South Africa were knocked out of the 2003 World Cup at the quarter-final stages by New Zealand and that prompted an overhaul of the Springboks, with Jake White taking over as head coach and Jones coming on board as a technical advisor.

“These players are good players. I am playing with the core of England’s forward pack, and I think they are hungry for success.”, revealed Burger.



“I think after the (2015) World Cup, these guys were ready to take the next step. Obviously, that World Cup was a massive disappointment.

“I went through that in 2003 when we got knocked out and Jake White took over a young squad eager to improve, and Eddie was off the back of that in 2007 when he was assistant to Jake and eventually we won it.

“So I see a lot of similarities with this England group.”


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