“The lads all thoroughly enjoyed being together again thanks to Derek Morgan, the RFU President. It was fantastic as, coming from all parts of the country, some hadn’t seen each other for ten years. Their tour win remains the best an England side has done on tour to South Africa, it was only equalled by the Lions of 1974. It was a remarkable achievment, particularly as we went out there dubbed by the press ‘the no hopers’.

“Almost the entire party was there and Twickenham was amazing, the buzz was extraordinary. We were all admiration for today’s players. It is going to take a very good side on top form to beat them.”