England's test against world champions South Africa may be in doubt

Rugby News
Monday, 04 October 2021 at 08:05
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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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EDITORS PICKS:

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)
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HALFBACKS:

  • 10. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 2 caps)
  • 9. Harry Randall (Bristol Bears, 2 caps)

FRONT-ROW:

  • 1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 28 caps)
  • 2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, 31 caps)
  • 3. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 50 caps)
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CONTINUES ON PAGE 3

SECOND-ROW:

  • 4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 52 caps)
  • 5. Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints, 91 caps)
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BACK-ROW:

  • 6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 34 caps)
  • 7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 22 caps)
  • 8. Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, 7 caps)
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