Grewcock wary of all-round Springbok threat

Last updated at 09:16 18 November 2004

England lock Danny Grewcock has warned it is not only South Africa's physical prowess that must be contained during this weekend's Twickenham showdown.

The Springboks have built a fearsome reputation for their aggressive style, and England's defence coach Phil Larder believes they provide the most demanding of all tests.

South Africa's love for route-one rugby has come at a cost, however, because they have often been overshadowed by fellow southern-hemisphere giants Australia and New Zealand in the creativity department.

But Grewcock - who will be making his eighth appearance against the reigning Tri-Nations champions on Saturday - feels the current crop of Springboks bristles with attacking options.

"South Africa are Tri-Nations champions and undoubtedly one of the best teams in the world, especially up front, so it is going to be a hard afternoon for us," said the Bath forward.

"They are a really big side and very tough competitors who don't give anyone an easy day. Rugby is the number one sport for them, and you can see that in the way they play.

"You just have to look at some of the collisions during the Ireland game last weekend to see what they are all about.

"But they are not just about power any more - their back play has caught up with what we see from New Zealand and Australia, and that is why they won the Tri-Nations.

"Now they have massively strong forwards and an exciting back line. Previously they were not up there with the Aussies and Kiwis on that front.

But now they have pushed past those guys with the great victories they have had during the summer.

"They have a fantastic team - they are very physical but also excite by scoring lots of tries."

South Africa never hit their stride as an attacking force in the 17-12 defeat by Ireland last Saturday - and it was the triple crown holders who registered the only try of a thrilling encounter, although the score was shrouded in controversy.

Ireland were awarded a series of penalties close to South Africa's line, and on the last of these the tourists appeared to have been caught napping when Ronan O'Gara elected to tap and go instead of kicking for touch.

But irate Springbok captain John Smit revealed after the match he had been told by the referee to inform his players of the reasoning behind the penalty, giving O'Gara the opportunity to strike.

South Africa were furious with the decision, and Grewcock has voiced his support - and revealed his admiration for the way the tourists dealt with the incident.

"I can see why they were disappointed when the try was awarded. It was great opportunist work by Ronan O'Gara but it was a confusing situation for the South Africans," he said.

"But to be fair to them they have not made a big thing about it. They have a big game against us and are getting on with their preparations for that."

Grewcock has been selected alongside Bath colleague Steve Borthwick in the second row, and the 32-year-old hopes it is a combination which will prove as successful in the Test arena as it has done at club level.

"Steve has been deservedly rewarded for playing so well over the last couple of years. Lock is a very competitive position - I have been in and out of the England team - so it is good Steve is getting his chance," he said.

"I play alongside him at Bath and I hope we will be reproducing that form during internationals."