Safety first has been the order around the streets of Johannesburg this week.
Thousands of locals have taken to the street to protest against illegal immigration, lighting fires and leaving the police on high alert.
So perhaps it is on theme that Steve Borthwick is ready to opt for the more secure option on England’s wing.
Cadan Murley is set to beat Noah Caluori in the race to partner Immanuel Feyi-Waboso in England’s backline against the Springboks.
Taking on South Africa at Ellis Park is rugby’s ultimate challenge, with Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arrendse ready to wreak havoc in the wide channels.
Caluori, having topped the Prem try scoring charts in his debut season, would have been the blockbuster selection.
But Kolbe and Arrendse are two of rugby’s most dangerous operators and Murley is the figure who can limit the damage.
Cadan Murley is set to beat Noah Caluori in the race to partner Immanuel Feyi-Waboso in England’s backline against the Springboks
Caluori topped the Prem try scoring charts in his debut season for Saracens
He is used to operating on the back foot, having delivered industrious displays this season for Harlequins, who had one of their worst seasons on record.
‘Sometimes coming through those times and trying to give your best in a team that’s struggling can sometimes show more than a team that’s doing really well and you’re running in tries,’ said Murley.
‘It shows that resilience, it shows you want to grab that England jersey. I’m not going to feel sorry for myself, I’m going to fight to get into that team and show what I can do.
‘Every time I get to train or play, I will give it my all, no matter what. Representing my country is something I’ve dreamed as a little kid, and just to get the opportunity once, let alone these few times I have, I just want to grasp every moment of it.’
Murley does not boast the X-factor speed of Caluori, although he is still one of the fastest operators in the league.
Another reason England are putting their faith in Murley is because of his versatility.
Cheslin Kolbe (above) and Kurt-Lee Arrendse will be ready to wreak havoc in the wide channels against England
Steve Borthwick’s safety first approach in selecting Murley makes perfect sense
Utility backs are valuable commodities at the World Cup and Murley has the ability to cover three positions in the backline.
‘He’s had a tough year at Quins this year but he’s able to play at 13, covers both wing spots, has plenty of gas, beats people, he’s good in the air and he’s a great defender,’ said England assistant coach Kevin Sinfield.
‘Certainly looking ahead 12 to 15 months’ time, when we’ve got a 33-man squad for the World Cup, players who have some of that versatility will be really useful and Caden’s quality, he can play on both flanks and at 13 for us. You may have seen the France game a couple of weeks ago, he had an incredible first half, we saw how dangerous he can be ball and hand.’
The locals expect the Springboks to cause more damage this weekend, but Murley will be on a mission to prove otherwise.
