Experienced Saxons relishing SA A challenge

Not surprising the Saxons fancy their chances when they face the South African A team in Bloemfontein on Friday.

The side boast a total of 60 Test caps.

Ollie Devoto and Tommy Taylor, who both came off the bench to gain their first England caps in the recent match against Wales, are among the names.

Flyhalf Danny Cipriani, with 14 England appearances, and Kieran Brookes, with 16 England caps, will also feature in the squad.

Coach Ali Hepher said: "We’re really pleased with how the group is progressing together. We’re developing the players, which is key to this tour, and we now want to see how they perform on the international stage.  

"Friday offers us a fantastic challenge and this game will tell us where we’re at, what we’ve got to work on and improve, and to see the strengths the guys have on the field.

"We want to see a team that doesn’t hold back, that is fearless in the way it puts itself out there, but is also very accurate, playing smart rugby with or without the ball," he added.

The squad arrived in South Africa on June 1 and have spent the past week training at the Sharks’ Kings Park Stadium in Durban.

Hepher said: "We’ve given the players a basic structure through which they are able to express themselves and be the players they are. It has also been key to bond the side and the guys are leading on those activities on and off field. It is great to see them taking responsibility for the whole tour,"

England Saxons will play two matches against SA A, the first was is on June 10, followed by one on June 17 at Outeniqua Park in George.

England Saxons: 15 Mike Haley, 14 Alex Lewington, 13 Nick Tompkins, 12 Ollie Devoto, 11 Semesa Rokoduguni, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Dan Robson, 8 Sam Jones, 7 Matt Kvesic, 6 Don Armand, 5 Charlie Ewels, 4 Dave Attwood (captain), 3 Kieran Brookes, 2 Tommy Taylor, 1 Alec Hepburn.

Replacements: 16 George McGuigan, 17 Ross Harrison, 18 Jake Cooper-Woolley, 19 Mitch Lees, 20 Dave Ewers, 21 Micky Young, 22 Sam James, 23 Christian Wade.

Date: Friday, June 10

Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Kick-off: 19.10 (18.10 England time; 17.10 GMT)

Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Lourens van der Merwe (South Africa), Jaco Kotze (South Africa)

TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)

@EnglandRugby