Cockerill prepares England ‘weak’ pack for the ultimate test

England’s forwards coach Richard Cockerill is preparing the Red Rose for the ultimate test of their mettle today when they collide with world champions South Africa at Twickenham.

Head coach Eddie Jones has sought to fire-up his underdogs for the final instalment of the Autumn Nations Series by claiming the Springboks believe the England pack is weak.

South Africa suffocated their way to World Cup glory in 2019 and a 2-1 series victory over the Lions earlier this year, attacking through the set piece and stifling with a relentless kicking game.

It is hard viewing at times, but Cockerill admires the effective simplicity of what they do.

“Physically from a scrum, set piece and line-out point of view, there isn’t a harder team to play against in the world at the moment,” Cockerill said.

“That’s the challenge for us. It won’t be one we’ll shy away from. We’re looking forward to going into battle against South Africa. We’ll fire our own bullets and play how we want to play.

“There are always points in the match where you have to match the opposition physically.

“If they think we have a weakness there that’s up to them, but we certainly don’t. South Africa play how they want to play and they make no apologies for that. And it’s been successful. They’re world champions and they win most games that they play.

“They have a very experienced pack that’s well drilled. Eighty-plus per cent of their lines-out are driven and they get a lot of success from that through penalties. It also enables them to march teams up the field.”

Wales have received a double boost ahead of their Autumn Nations Series finale against Australia after Josh Adams and Tomas Francis were declared fit to start.

The reigning Six Nations champions have more than 15 players unavailable – including a number of British and Irish Lions – for the Wallabies’ Principality Stadium visit.

Wing Adams missed the victory over Fiji on Sunday due to a calf muscle issue that forced his withdrawal just before kick-off, while Francis was concussed during training a week ago and saw an independent consultant on Thursday.

But they will both feature as Wales target a third successive victory over Australia in their final game before the Six Nations opener against Ireland on February 5.

Meanwhile, Conor Murray and Joey Carbery have been selected as Ireland’s half-back pairing for tomorrow’s Autumn Series finale against Argentina in Dublin.

The Munster duo replaces injured Leinster pair Jamison Gibson-Park and Johnny Sexton as part of four changes to the team which started last weekend’s 29-20 win over New Zealand.