Ben Foden previews Englands tour to South Africa

In just a few days time (Thursday May 31st) the England rugby team will touch down in South Africa for one of the ultimate experiences for any national team. Stuart Lancaster’s men are due to play three tests against the Springboks – difficult enough at Twickenham, but a whole lot harder when it’s in the Boks own backyard.

As well as the test, England will play midweek tour matches in Kimberley and Potchefstroom.

The series is a return to “traditional-style” touring, which will see an England midweek team play matches on the plateland (countryside) as well as Tests in Durban, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.

England will meet a SA Barbarians South team in an afternoon match in Kimberley on Wednesday, June 13 and six days later play a SA Barbarians North team in an evening kick-off in Potchefstroom.

One of the men England will be expecting to provide an attacking spark is full back Ben Foden. Instinctive and versatile, the Northampton Saints number 15 – like so many of his teammates, will be playing full international rugby in South Africa for the first time.
In this video he talks about the forthcoming series, as well as the prospect of working with new Attack Coach Mike Catt.

England fixtures in South Africa

Saturday, June 9: South Africa v England (1st Test)
Mr Price King’s Park, Durban (kick off 17h00 local, 16h00 BST)

Wednesday, June 13: SA Barbarians South v England
GWK Park, Kimberley (kick off 14h30 local, 13h30 BST)

Saturday, June 16: South Africa v England (2nd Test)
Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg (kick off 17h00 local, 16h00 BST)

Tuesday, June 19: SA Barbarians North v England
Profert Olen Park, Potchefstroom (kick off 19h10 local, 18h10 BST)

Saturday, June 23:  South Africa v England (3rd Test)
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth (kick off 17h00 local, 16h00 BST)