England rugby Photo: Photosport
England must win the physical and tactical battle in their World Cup semi-final against champions South Africa in Paris on Sunday and flanker Tom Curry has a simple hope for the first big collision: "Don't get hit off your feet".
The Springboks beat England 32-12 in the final four years ago with brute force up front and an accurate kicking game, but have added some finesse since then, making them a less predictable opponent, even if their power-game is still there.
"The Springboks have changed, they have developed their game," Curry told reporters on Friday. "They have matured and we have as well, so it's a clash between two very exciting teams going at each other and we can't wait to go."
Curry says England are under no illusions as to what they will face, and imposing themselves on the match early to set the tone will be key.
"It is a physical test and playing against teams like this is exciting because you know what you need to do," Curry said. "The coaches have given us a great game plan and it is coming together nicely."
England are on a run of five successive wins having come into the tournament with five defeats in their previous six games, building momentum at the right time.
But this will be their biggest test so far and Curry admits players have different ways of coping with the pressure.
"Some people need calm, some people need a kick up the arse," he said. "Everyone is different but ultimately we do have to get on the same page and get that 'buzz'.
"It's a semi-final. If that's not enough to get you up for a game, I don't know what will be."
South Africa moved to the top of the world rankings after their epic 29-28 quarter-final victory over France on Sunday, and will carry the weight of the "favourites" tag.
England assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth says the hope the Boks may crumble under that expectation is not something his side is clinging to.
"If there is (pressure), they have shown that they can deal with it. They have dealt with it at the last World Cup and in numerous other games."
- Reuters