What an emotional rollercoaster these past few days have been for English sport generally. From inglorious run chases at Trent Bridge to early exits at Wimbledon to the great escape against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it has been a hectic week and a daunting Test at Ellis Park against the back-to-back world champions South Africa is not the obvious place to find a relaxing antidote.
There is a strong argument that facing the mighty Springboks at a venue where England last won 54 years ago ranks as the toughest proposition of the lot. The strength of the opposition, the altitude factor, the absence of the visiting skipper Maro Itoje … no wonder a mocked-up photo of Harry Kane with a rugby ball tucked under his arm has been gaining some decent traction online.
