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The England rugby team is one of South Africa’s oldest test adversaries.

The two countries have clashed 43 times with South Africa winning 26 matches, England 15 and two drawn.

The strength of their rugby can be gauged by the record of an England rugby team qualifying for four of the nine Rugby World Cup finals, to date.

Two of the finals were against South Africa and both have been won by the Springboks, in 2007 and 2019.

England’s only title was won against Australia in 2003 after the Australians had won their previous clash in a final in 1991.

England provided all but four players (all Scotsmen) for the 1891 tour to South Africa that was undertaken by what was called the “English” side by pundits and fans on the tour.

The touring side was later ratified as the first British Lions side to undertake an official tour and is not recognised as an English side.

The English Premiership is regarded as an outstanding club competition and is a feeder belt for the national side. England rugby news have in recent seasons often contained examples of their foremost clubs struggling with their finances.

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