Eddie Jones says England are bracing themselves for a massive physical assault from South Africa in Saturday’s World Cup final.
But he adds that they expect the odd twist too from the Springboks.
Jones says: “They are a massively aggressive physical forward pack.
"They probably played their stronger team in the second half [against Wales] as opposed to the first.
“They are going to be a difficult side to beat but we know a couple of areas that we think we can them expose in.”
As for whether South Africa would stick with their kick and chase policy, Jones is wary, but only a little.
TACTICAL: The Springboks will have to be tactically sound when they take on England in their World Cup final this weekend. Picture: Peter Cziborra/Reuters.
He adds: “Rassie [Erasmus] is a cunning coach so we’re prepared for the unexpected. They can play in different ways.
“You saw Faf de Klerk do 15-20 box kicks in the game.
“We know they can play differently, but we also know that they are going to come through the front door.
“There are not many Springbok teams that don’t come through the front door. So we’ve got to be ready at the front door and have enough cover at the back door too.”
INJURY: England’s Willi Heinz. Picture: Issei Kato/Reuters.
Meanwhile, scrumhalf Ben Spencer arrived in Japan on Monday ready to go straight on to the bench in the World Cup final in place of the injured Willi Heinz.
Jones adds that both Jonny May and Owen Farrell were recovering well from the dead legs they received in Saturday’s win over New Zealand and expected both to be fit to play.
Prop Kyle Sinckler the other main injury concern.