We could be ’embarrassed’ by England if we are drawn into the competition

England head into Twickenham on the back of four consecutive defeats and their worst run since 2018. But in their last encounter with the Springboks, a tough and disciplined performance in a tense contest saw England move the eventual world champions into No.1. on the brink before succumbing to their onslaught.

“We weren’t nervous, but we were all very clear about what we wanted to achieve in that game,” Reinach added.

“We knew what the France game (in the quarter-finals) took from us, how difficult it would be with (England’s) ‘Moneyball’ style of playing. The weather was going to be bad. The pressure was there from the beginning and we had to deal with it.”

Flannery tasked with thwarting ‘classy’ Smith

Marcus Smith did not feature in matchday 23 that day, but has been England’s standout player this autumn and has produced eye-catching performances despite defeats. New Zealand And Australia.

Springboks defense coach Jerry Flannery will be tasked with stopping the former Harlequins attack on Saturday, who left the Premiership side for South Africa last season.

“He’s an absolutely classy player,” said Tony Brown, Smith’s South Africa attack coach. “Given the time and place, there aren’t many who are better at making the most of small opportunities for all the players around them.

“Jerry spent a lot of time with Marcus Smith and knows him well. “There will be some pressure to make sure Marcus doesn’t get those opportunities this week.”