England brace for Springboks backlash

England are bracing for a bruising South African backlash today as the reigning world champions attempt to bounce back from their shock defeat to Scotland.

After an encouraging display against New Zealand was followed up with victories over Australia and Samoa, England have the chance to confirm their resurgence with their first win over South Africa in four years.

But England manager Martin Johnson has warned his young side to expect a “full-blooded” encounter with the South Africans, still smarting from their 21-17 defeat against the Scots at Murrayfield.

“It is going to be a big, big game. It is a cracking game to be involved in whenever you play South Africa and you always know what you are going to get in terms of intensity,” Johnson said.

“We know we will have to play at a very high level to win. It will be physical, intense and a great Test match. Everyone is looking forward to a full-blooded match at Twickenham.”

The fact that England head into the match with a genuine chance of ending their South African losing streak is testimony to the progress which has been made since Johnson’s appointment in 2008.

Two years ago, the South Africans came to Twickenham and administered a brutal 42-6 drubbing which remains fresh in the memory for the England manager.

“It wasn’t a fun day but that is sometimes what you go through,” said Johnson, who has assembled a settled squad which is notable for a crop of young players who are only just embarking on their international careers.