Vickery warns of Springbok threat

England captain Phil Vickery says the defending champions can have a huge impact on the World Cup but must be wary of Pool A opponents South Africa.

Four mediocre years since winning the trophy in Australia in 2003 have left England outside the main favourites for the tournament in France which kicks off on Friday.

Home and away warm-up defeats by France further dampened optimism that England can retain their title but Vickery, part of the 1999 and 2003 sides, believes England can come good.

"It's nice to say we have our first game this weekend," the London Wasps prop told reporters.

"We are really looking forward to the tournament, play some good rugby and get a win under our belts.

"I want to be remembered for what we do at the World Cup and I believe we can make a huge impact.

"If we perform properly we are capable of beating some top sides."

England begin in Lens on Saturday against the United States, a fixture Vickery is not taking lightly, but it is the Paris clash against South Africa the following Friday that could define England's campaign.

"We know what's coming and it's whether we can perform on the day," Vickery said. "America this weekend will up their game and no doubt will over-perform, we need to be mentally and physically right for that.

"Then it's South Africa. I watched them play against Scotland and it was the best Springbok performance I've seen for a number of years including the Tri-Nations.

"They look a very well-rounded side and full of confidence. As we all know a Springbok side playing with confidence is a very dangerous animal."

England also face Tonga and Samoa in their Pool as they set about becoming the first nation to retain the Webb Ellis trophy lifted by Martin Johnson four years ago.

He said the now retired Johnson was an inspiration. "For me Martin was a great captain, he went out and did his job, didn't say a great deal, but on the field he played hard and did his job fantastically well.

"He was someone you looked to for advice on the field and respected. You had to earn his respect and you did that by what you did on the field.

"Come this week the guys with the experience have to stand up and take responsibility."