O’Driscoll backs Daly to shine for England

“We are a team that have got a goal under Eddie Jones to be the best in the world and winning this game at the weekend is a huge step for us going forward as a team”.

However, England scored 13 points in the final six minutes of the first half – Courtney Lawes touching down on his 50th appearance – to tilt the game firmly in their favour, before George Ford’s try effectively put the game beyond doubt as the hosts continued where they left off from its series whitewash of Australia.

The 2003 world champions have not tasted defeat since losing to Australia in last year’s World Cup on home soil, and they have won all 10 matches since Eddie Jones succeeded Stuart Lancaster as coach.

First, however, they must beat a South Africa side in transition following last year’s World Cup, a team criticised by 1995 World Cup victor Joel Stransky in a recent BBC interview, but no doubt likely to be inspired by the prospect of a packed and noisy Twickenham. “We knew South Africa were going to come out hard and physical and they certainly didn’t disappoint in that regard”.

“Eddie says you can never get the flawless game but if you can get as close to it as possible you’ll be helping your team out”. Which, needless to say, they failed to do. Big performance: Billy Vunipoa.

While his drive for perfection, and the pursuit of the world No1 slot continues in earnest, scrum-half Ben Youngs said beating South Africa for the first time since 2006 has added to England’s aura.

“JJ has missed a little bit of training lately and I just feel that Elliot is a bit sharper at the moment”, said Jones, when asked about his decision to select Daly ahead of Joseph, who drops to the bench.

“I think he’s got the potential to be one of the best half-backs in the world”, said Jones.

England started too quickly and were three penalties and six points down in the opening six minutes.

Brian O’Driscoll has given a ringing endorsement to Elliot Daly’s expected selection by England for Saturday’s clash with South Africa at Twickenham.

“South Africa rugby is about big ball carriers and playing off the back of that”, said Jones”. It doesn’t matter about talent, if they ooze confidence and there is that cohesion and synergy then it is an unstoppable team.

“We’ve picked a match-day 23 with a blend of experience and youth”, Jones said.

“I was privileged to play a lot of games of rugby but, and I said this to the groups I captained at the end of my career, I don’t actually remember an terrible lot of them”, former England captain Borthwick said. In terms of looking back, nobody on this team has beaten South Africa.

“I’m also pleased to see a number of returning players get their chance on Saturday, most notably Jonny May after his long injury rehabilitation”. “But there is no lack of effort in training or on the pitch so we have plenty to work with”. That is one important thing.