From South Africa’s point-of-view the game plan is a simple one. Replicate their own performances from the past month and they’ll have nothing to worry about. While England will rely on their three-point game plan, the Springboks can call on any number of facets. Their set-piece is exceptional, with Os Du Rant and John Smith proving unmovable forces in the scrum. Meanwhile their line-out is undoubtedly the strongest on the planet thanks to the aggression and athleticism of Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield.

At the breakdown they are unrivalled and last weekend three of their strongest assets were undoubtedly their impressive back-row combination of Juan Smith, Schalk Burger and Danie Rossouw. This trio obliterated the Argentinean pack while simultaneously terrorising Juan Martin Hernandez at out-half. Burger and Rossouw had a hand in everything while the latter also scored a crucial try at a vital stage of the first-half.

One of the most disappointing aspects of South Africa’s performances has been their tendency to ignore their explosive backline. The likes of Percy Montgomery, JP Pietersen and the explosive Bryan Habana have been forced to live off scraps during the knockout stages. If Jake White continues to ignore his talented wide men then Saturday’s battle could become a war of attrition between the packs and this would greatly reduce the odds on an unlikely English victory. Brian Ashton will be praying that his opposite number adopts such a conservative approach.

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