Ex-Springboks coach Mallett warns Ellis Park suits England more than World Cup holders

Former South Africa head coach Nick Mallett has admitted he is genuinely nervous ahead of the Springboks’ Nations Championship opener against England at Ellis Park, warning that the Johannesburg venue suits the visitors more than the reigning World Cup holders.

Speaking on the Talking Boks podcast, Mallett offered a candid assessment of England’s strengths, acknowledging that while they may lack individual world-class talent, their collective quality and physicality make them a dangerous proposition. “England is a team that perhaps doesn’t have those world-class players but they have players all at the same level,” he said. “They are players who can play at international level quite easily and they are big, physical guys.”

Mallett was particularly wary of the Northampton influence running through England’s back line, pointing to their ability to play multiple styles of attack. “They have a really skilful back line who can play the flat game, the out-of-the-back game and that wide passing game that Northampton have done so well,” he said. “That is why I am nervous and Ellis Park suits them rather than us at the moment.”

The former coach also highlighted the front-row performance of Joe Heyes, Ellis Genge and Jamie George during the Six Nations as a specific concern, suggesting England’s scrum could cause South Africa problems. “I think they will scrum well against us and even though they haven’t got Maro Itoje, they have lots of strength in depth,” Mallett added.

He did note that South Africa hold an advantage in their replacements bench, which he believes is significantly stronger than England’s, a factor that could prove decisive in the closing stages.

Mallett also touched on the emotional weight of this particular fixture for South African players and supporters, explaining that defeats to England carry a unique sting. “The two teams that a South African rugby player doesn’t want to lose against are New Zealand and England,” he said, recalling the uncomfortable experience of sharing a train with jubilant England supporters after a Springbok loss at Twickenham.

Ellis Park, the venue where South Africa lifted the 1995 Rugby World Cup, is not expected to be sold out for the match, a detail Mallett acknowledged could further reduce the home advantage typically associated with the high-altitude ground.