I like the back row starting balance I think. Underhill and CCS are going to have to be very, very good for us to stand a chance though. I probably put Martin alongside them too- those are the three hitters as it were. Thought Itoje had a great game in loose against NZ and we need that tomorrow to help us somehow gain yardage against the fearsome Bok pack.
Fear the worst a bit in the scrum and lineout- if they go AWOL it could be a very long afternoon. That said, Scotland managed some lineout disruption last week. (That probably means the Boks are perfect this week though!)
Expect us to hammer the high ball and kick chase at them and we will need to contest those incredibly successfully I think to give us field position.
Feel for Borthwick a tiny bit (I know that's not reciprocated across the forum!) - we've shown improved levels of form IMO since his baptism of fire in his opening 6N. Close games against France (away), NZ (away x 2 and home), and Australia (home), plus a home win against Ireland- suggests we aren't a million miles off.
I do fear though that a comprehensive beat down on Sat might leave him under the cosh.
