The Spingboks started off their 2007 campaign with a confident recording breaking 58-10 win against a decimated English side in Bloemfontein. Whilst the Boks lacked the polish, and struggled a bit in the set pieces, one can see the confidence that comes from ending a super rugby campaign at the top of the log. To score 7 tries against a top international team while never really hitting your straps says a lot about the potential of this team. Once the set peices have more practice applied to them, and the attacking combinations have time to gel, the Springboks will be prime contenders come world cup time. The only concern is getting the best lineup on the field. Ricky Januarie took the right options but struggled in his execution too often. Danie Rossouw is simply not a number 8, and was too indecisive at the base of the scrum. He is better as an impact lock and should be fighting for a place with Johan Muller. This would allow either Spies or Skinstad to start with the other being on the bench. And while Butch James controlled the game well, the biggest concern for the Boks is what flyhalf do we want to play? However at this stage we simply need to improve the set pieces for Loftus next week and hammer the Poms by an even bigger score!

South Africa 58: Tries: Ashwin Willemse, Bryan Habana 2, Jean de Villiers, Frans Steyn, Schalk Burger, CJ van der Linde. Conversions: Percy Montgomery 7. Penalties: Montgomery 3
England 10: Try: James Simpson-Daniel. Conversion: Jonny Wilkinson. Penalty: Wilkinson.

In other international results the Wobblies required an injury time try after the siren to beat a Welsh team 29-23, that was missing 18 of their top players. While the Welsh can take heat, the Wobblies must be worried heading into the World Cup.

Australia 29: Tries: Wycliff Palu, Nathan Sharpe , Matt Giteau, Stephen Hoiles Conversion: Stirling Mortlock 3 Penalty: Mortlock
Wales 23: Tries: Gareth Thomas, Jamie Robinson Conversions: James Hook 2 Penalty: Hook 2. Drop goal: Hook

In Santa Fe, Felipe Contempomi struck a drop goal in the last minute to give Argentina a 22-20 win over Ireland.

Argentina 22: Try: Hernan Senillosa. Coversion: Felipe Contepomi. Penalties: Contepomi 4. Drop goal: Contepomi.
Ireland 20: Tries: Brian Carney, penalty try. Conversions:M Paddy Wallace 2. Penalties: Wallace, Gavan Duffy.