Former Springboks head coach Nick Mallett has hit out at what he perceived to be arrogant comments from England great Austin Healey.
Healey is far from the most loved ex-player and pundit, and his comments after England’s 33-19 victory over the All Blacks clearly irked Mallett.
The former utility back was mightily impressed by Steve Borthwick’s side’s win over New Zealand, which marked the 10th successive victory for the men in white.
They now turn their focus to their final game of the Quilter Nations Series and of 2025, against Argentina, which Healey says is a shame as he would have loved to see the side tackle the Springboks instead.
Austin Healey’s remarks
He believes that South Africa are clearly the best team in the world and playing against Rassie Erasmus’ men would have given a real indication as to how good this England team really is.
“I know this sounds a little bit contrived, but I know we are playing Argentina next week, and we have played them twice this year, but I so wish we were playing South Africa. Because you want to see how good, how far this England side can be pushed,” Healey said on TNT Sports’ coverage of the fixture in Twickenham.
“The only way to push yourself is by beating and playing against the best, and at the minute, South Africa are WAY ahead of everyone else. I’d love to know where this England team stands.”
Asked if this was England’s biggest-ever win since Borthwick took over from Eddie Jones ahead of the Rugby World Cup in 2023, Healey said it was ‘right up there’ before revealing his chat with Will Greenwood before the game.
“We both thought that England would win, but he said to me, actually, if the All Blacks go into a 10-15 point lead, he didn’t think this England squad didn’t have the cahones, he said, to get back in it. Today has proven that they are a lot more advanced in their development,” he said.
“They can win in different ways; they can win with power, with pace, with playing tight, with playing wide; so having that variety and the ability of knowing when and where to use it, stands them out significantly from where they were 12 months ago.”
Nick Mallett’s response
Mallett responded to those comments during SuperSport’s post-match analysis of the match.
“Just a little mention about the English commentators, they win one game against New Zealand, and suddenly, they are desperate to play against South Africa because they are convinced they will beat us,” the ex-Springboks head coach remarked.
“It’s unbelievable how quickly they go from sixth in the world to the best in the world. So, I think we must just keep on ticking away and hopefully, we will go well against Ireland.
“But I’m looking forward to the next time we play against England. I can’t wait for our guys to play against Pollock.”
Meanwhile, former Saracens and Springboks back-rower Schalk Burger spoke glowingly of the England team, drawing similarities to Erasmus’ squad.
“They’ve got a nice balance similar to what we’ve got with Grant Williams and Manie Libbok on the bench, so if you want to change things and speed it up, you’ve got that option,” he began.
“They’ve got Ben Spencer, who can close it out, Alex Mitchell was impressive with his right boot, and as we complimented him, he hooked one straight into touch – as commentators always do.
“George Ford has done the full 360 from being behind Owen Farrell to starting in a 10-12 with him to being dropped out. Remember, the previous time he had a chance (to beat the All Blacks), he had a penalty hit the post, then had a drop goal attempt and missed; it’s sweet revenge in rugby, it’s always what goes around, comes around. He was exceptional today, and he knows what to do like Handre Pollard.”