Hartley eyes Springbok scalp
England captain Dylan Hartley has set his sights on a victory over South Africa in the upcoming November international clash at Twickenham.
Hartley’s side face the Springboks, Fiji, Argentina and Australia later this year as they look to back up a 3-0 series win over the Wallabies.
But the hooker knows they face a “massive challenge” against the Boks.
“Every time I play for England I want to win, every series we go into I want to win and all our focus now is on South Africa, and winning that game,” Hartley told England Rugby.
“I’ve never beaten South Africa, I don’t think anyone in the squad’s beaten them so there’s a massive challenge there for us.”
Hartley added: “We as a team need to keep on improving and developing – whether that’s in training or in games – and the autumn internationals are a perfect opportunity to play four brilliant teams.”
England have changed their preparations for November this year in that they will meet more often but for less time, something that Hartley is happy with.
“We used to do a solid week somewhere but I like the way we’ve broken it down, I think two or three days here and there keeps us all connected and keeps us all in touch,” he added.
“It keeps things fresh in the mind instead of turning up the week before the series and going ‘right boys, let’s go’. So I think it’s a really good idea.”
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