Gloomy England looking for a ray of sunshine

England are determined to lift the cloud of desperation hanging over their heads after losing the first two Tests and the series against South Africa.

No-one realises this more than lock Joe Launchbury, who says the final Test at Newlands on Saturday is a chance to take back some pride and end the tour on a high note.

In fact, England have now gone six matches without a victory.

The Wasps forward returned from injury to partner Maro Itoje at second row for the second Test defeat in Bloemfontein where England went down 23-12.

Launchbury, who has 53 Test caps, says the belief is still there they can get their first win in South Africa since 2000.

“It is easy to view this as a last game of the season, a tour that is over in terms of the result being 2-0 down,” said the 27-year-old.

“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.”

It has been a hugely physical couple of games for England in South Africa with Launchbury right in the heart of the action against the Springbok pack.

In Cape Town this weekend, Launchbury says they will be targeting being more dominant in all areas.

“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,” he added.

“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.”