Phil Vickery says the strength of the South African schoolboy rugby system is the bedrock for the long-term success of the Springboks.

Speaking on the Stick To Rugby podcast, the former England and British & Irish Lions stalwart said the talent they came across in South Africa on the 2009 Lions tour was “frightening”.

“It’s funny. I sit now as an old boy and I look back and I go, you can see it coming. It was mind-blowing,” he added.

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Former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad said “the school system in South Africa is healthier than it’s ever been”.

He added: “On a Saturday and a Sunday morning in South Africa, everybody either participates in or watches sport.”

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