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Cape Town - The fact that England haven’t beaten the Springboks in their last 12 encounters dating back to 2006 is “ridiculous”, former prop Phil Vickery has said.
The last time England beat the Springboks was November 18, 2006, when Vickery’s late try secured a 23-21 win.
But since then the Springboks have won 11 Tests against England, including one draw.
“It is absolutely ridiculous - almost unthinkable - that we have not beaten South Africa since then. That’s scary,” Vickery told the Mirror Online.
England had lost seven games in a row before their triumph against the Boks 10 years ago, but a 25-14 win for South Africa the following weekend saw coach Andy Robinson sacked.
“It’s crazy to think that when we beat South Africa we had lost our seven previous games,” added Vickery, who was England’s captain the following year when they lost 15-6 to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final in Paris.
Under Eddie Jones’ coaching tutelage in 2016, England have won nine Tests in a row and Vickery believes they will continue their winning run on Saturday.
“They picked up a Grand Slam, whitewashed the Wallabies in Australia and are ranked number two in the world.
“I truly believe that these boys can compete with the best. They didn’t just prove themselves in Australia, they showed that they’re here to stay, they’re not going anywhere and they don’t fear anybody.”
Vickery, 40, played 73 Tests for England, as well as five for the British and Irish Lions.
The try he scored against South Africa in 2006 was one of only two in his Test career.
