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Bold statement from the English star about the Springboks match: ‘We will get the result’: Planet Rugby
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Bold statement from the English star about the Springboks match: ‘We will get the result’: Planet Rugby

England wing Tommy Freeman is brimming with determination ahead of this weekend’s vital clash against the Springboks.

Red Rose and head coach Steve Borthwick are under serious pressure following back-to-back defeats in the season in November.

While a narrow defeat to the All Blacks was frustrating but understandable, the comeback against the Wallabies was deemed “inexcusable” by captain Jamie George.

They will now face back-to-back Rugby World Cup winners South AfricaThey regained the top spot in the World Rugby rankings following their victory against Scotland.

England’s oppressed

Rassie Erasmus’ Men will be heavy favorites in the match at Twickenham, but Freeman insists on it England can withstand the oncoming attack.

“Whatever (South Africa) brings to us, we will bring it back even harder,” he told reporters.

“We probably have a perception from the outside that we are the underdogs, but we focus on ourselves. We know that if we execute our game plan, if we give 100 percent, we will get results.

“It’s always tough to lose at Twickenham and even tougher with such a good lead. We touched on missed interventions and there is a responsibility on our part as individuals.

“We will definitely step it up this week and hopefully put South Africa under pressure.”

England: Predicted team to take on Springboks after Wallabies debacle with Steve Borthwick ‘pulling the trigger’

The Springboks have won their last two matches against England, most recently a 16-15 victory in the World Cup semi-final.

Before that, South Africa won 27-13 at Twickenham with a dominant display in what proved to be Eddie Jones’ last game in charge.

Freeman started the clash on the right wing but was caught by Jones just before half-time as the home side struggled to take the lead.

‘Not the best feeling’

“It wasn’t the best feeling in the world,” he said.

“I got a tap on my shoulder, ‘you’re leaving.’ We had a game plan to get the ball back and I couldn’t execute it.

“The first (match) at Twickenham is with your family and friends who didn’t make it to Australia (for my debut) and they’re all sitting there watching. It was difficult.

“Nobody wants it to go this way. You’ve heard stories of things like this happening before and it’s something you never want to happen to you.

“This opportunity is an opportunity to make amends, and that’s definitely in the back of my mind right now.”

READ MORE: Springboks: Predicted team to ‘strengthen pack’ with Rassie Erasmus making wholesale changes for England clash