Dallaglio : England need to beat South Africa

England Rugby World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio says that Stuart Lancaster’s England team need to set the tone for the 2015 Rugby World Cup this Autumn.

Dallaglio says that England need to beat their main rivals for the World Cup title in their upcoming Test matches at Twickenham which will host the 2015 world cup final.

England play New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and Australia on consecutive weekends this November and Dallaglio says it is crucial that they beat South Africa.

England’s November Test Fixtures.

Saturday 8th November 2014
England v New Zealand 14:30

Saturday 15th November 2014
England v South Africa 14:30

Saturday 22nd November 2014
England v Samoa 19:00

Saturday 29th November 2014
England v Australia 14:30

Under Lancaster England have beaten New Zealand and Australia but they have only managed a draw against South Africa and Dallaglio sees them as the prized scalp.

“England need to beat South Africa,” Dallaglio told AFP.

“The last time they played them at Twickenham in 2012 they were properly beaten up, but this England side is much stronger now. “

“Going into the World Cup you want to make sure you can beat every side, which makes that fixture fascinating.

“To win a World Cup you probably have to play and beat two of the southern hemisphere sides. “

“If England came away with two out of three southern hemisphere victories, that would show they are genuine World Cup contenders. “

“Of course it would be lovely if we were Six Nations champions next year, but I’d be more concerned if they were losing at Twickenham. “

“If England win every game at Twickenham they’ll win the World Cup. That’s what home advantage gives you. Reconfirming that less than a year away would be good. “

“England haven’t won anything, but they’re a team that’s getting better and better. “