Launchbury: Final Test is a massive opportunity

Joe Launchbury insists Saturday’s final Test against South Africa is chance for England to show what they are capable of.

England are aiming to end their disappointing tour in a positive fashion after the Springboks took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series following a 23-12 victory in Bloemfontein last weekend.

Eddie Jones’ side now travel to Cape Town for the third Test on Saturday, aiming to halt a run of six straight defeats as England also go in search of their first win in South Africa for 18 years.

“It is easy to view this as a last game of the season, a tour that is over in terms of result being 2-0 down,” Launchbury told England Rugby.

“But what we do have is a massive opportunity to end a run of form which we are desperate to change, get a win here and we know we are capable of it.

“Any opportunity to play for England is something to cherish and get excited about and I’d be very surprised to see someone in the squad who isn’t. We are desperate to put the record straight this weekend.”

Launchbury recovered from an injury to return to action for England last Saturday, where for the second week running, the tourists started quickly but failed to hold on to their advantage.

And the 27-year-old is aiming to have a big impact at Newlands this weekend as Eddie Jones’ men look to put their frustration behind them.

He added: “It is bitterly frustrating. Parts of those first 20 minutes have been some of the best rugby we have played in a while and other parts we have been struggling to put things together.

“Sometimes that happens, but as a forward pack it is important for us to really drive the team forward in that regard, go back to our basics.

“When they get a drive going you can see how much energy it gives them, as a forward pack we understand not only stopping that but making sure we are dominant on our own ball goes a long way to making sure we get a result this weekend.”