18-12 to South Africa – Louw

Editor

Bath flanker Francois Louw is confident that a hurting South Africa will get the better of England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Bath openside flanker Francois Louw is confident that a hurting South Africa outfit will get the better of England at Twickenham on Saturday.

The injured back-row, who is sorely missed in the Springbok pack, believes his team will bounce back after a disappointing defeat to Ireland.

“Losing isn’t taken lightly by South Africa. It stings very badly,” said the 29-year-old, speaking to the Bath Chronicle ahead of the match.

“I’m very close to the team and the coaches, I’m in almost daily contact with them. Even though I’m not there I still feel the loss as badly.

“I know the boys are distraught after such a loss. South Africa had a very disappointing game.

“I’m very disappointed that I can’t be involved but that’s how rugby goes sometimes.”

Both teams enter following a loss as England went down 24-21 to New Zealand while the Boks lost 29-15 in Dublin, with Louw admitting that while he wishes his Bath international team-mates well, his heart is with South Africa.

“I’m really happy for my Bath team-mates but it’s a bit of a Catch 22. I want them to play well but I want South Africa to win,” he continued.

“It’s hard to read too much into one game but all the Bath guys deserve to be there with England after a phenomenal start to the season.

“They put in a solid performance against New Zealand and they still have a lot more to show.

“No team wants to lose at their home ground, their fortress, and England will throw everything at South Africa.

“Both teams will be looking to bounce back and it should be a really good game because both will be so hungry for a victory.

“Whichever side wins is going to have to put in a clinical performance for 80 minutes. It sounds cliched but that’s what Test rugby comes down to – who makes the fewest mistakes. My prediction would be 18-12 South Africa.”