Springbok captain Siya Kolisi said on Friday they are preparing for a charged-up England outfit at Ellis Park and are expecting nothing less than a proper grind against their old rivals.

With home-ground advantage and the world rankings favouring the Boks, Kolisi was quick to dismiss suggestions that South Africa are overwhelming favourites heading into the Nations Championship opener.

Springboks to face England. Photo: SA Rugby

The Springboks have opted for experience by naming a side close to what could be considered their strongest available team, with the exception of a few injured players such as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Kwagga Smith and RG Snyman.

Kolisi said it will be important for the players to draw on their own experience, as well as that of the coaching staff, who have been through the highs and lows of Test rugby.

“We listen to our coaches, and we know what it feels like to be beaten,” said Kolisi.

“We never walk into any match feeling like we’re definitely going to win. If we did, we wouldn’t have prepared the way we prepared this week. We’ve seen what England have done in Tests before, and we know the form they’re in, so we are in a strong mindset as a team.

“Playing against them is always a big deal. They always pitch up, and we’re excited because we know how big it’s going to be for them and for us as well.”

On the prospect of facing Tom Curry in the England loose trio, Kolisi added the flanker is one of the toughest opponents he has faced, and it is a challenge he always enjoys.

Cheslin Kolbe, Rassie Erasmus, and Damian Willemse. Photo: SA Rugby

“He’s one of the toughest guys I’ve ever played against. I remember since 2018, and then in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final too. He’s a special human being, and I love playing against him. Tomorrow’s going to be no different.”

Kolisi added while the Springboks may carry the favourites tag, pressure is part of the territory and something they have to embrace.

“There’s always pressure. You’d be silly to feel comfortable. But I think that’s what keeps us going.” 

The Springbok skipper also warned that England’s disappointing Six Nations campaign will count for very little when the two teams run out at Ellis Park.

“We’ve analysed them, and results-wise, I don’t think we can take too much from their Six Nations campaign because if you look at their last game against France, they almost won it in the final seconds, and France is one of the best teams in the world.

“They are going to be psyched up for this match and will pitch up physically. They almost took us out of the 2023 World Cup in the semi-final, and something we learned from that game is that if you don’t execute your plan very well against England, they have the potential to punish you.”

Siya Kolisi. Photo: X

“They are physically aggressive, even under the high balls. So, whatever they’ve done in the past won’t matter. What will make the difference is if we pitch up.

“We know they’re in a good mental space, and several players are in form for their clubs, so they’ll bring good energy. If we don’t pitch up and execute in the set pieces and in our kicking game, we’re going to be in trouble.”

Saturday’s Test between the Springboks and England at Ellis Park in Johannesburg kicks off at 17:40.

Springboks – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché

Replacements – 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Zach Porthen, 19 Marco van Staden, 20 Cameron Hanekom, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 André Esterhuizen, 23 Canan Moodie

England – 15 George Furbank, 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13 Tommy Freeman, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Ollie Chessum, 5 George Martin, 4 Alex Coles, 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie George (captain), 1 Ellis Genge

Replacements – 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Beno Obano, 18 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 19 Charlie Ewels, 20 Guy Pepper, 21 Henry Pollock, 22 Alex Mitchell, 23 Marcus Smith

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg