Kevin Sinfield has warned England not to be “blown away” by the scale of the challenge against South Africa in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup semi-final.
Defence coach Sinfield appraised defending champions South Africa’s approach, and suggested the Springboks have next to no weaknesses.
England could spend all week analysing South Africa’s varied threats, but Sinfield has told the Red Rose side to stick to their guns and go for glory in Paris this weekend.
England topped the tackle success rate from the quarter-finals with 86 per cent, but Sinfield admitted that level must rise markedly against the Boks.
South Africa edged out hosts France 29-28 on Saturday night, in a World Cup battle for the ages, underscoring the level required to beat the 2019 champions.
“If we want to get near South Africa at the weekend that success rate needs to be massively increased, I would suggest,” said Sinfield.
“The last two weeks we’ve played teams that want to throw the ball about, we knew Fiji would have a purple patch where they caused us problems.
“I think we’re coming up against a team with probably the best defence in the world at the minute, in South Africa. They’ve been together a long time, they are really well drilled.
“It’s an aggressive defence, and we look forward to coming up against them at the weekend.
“I think they’ve added to their game, I think when you look at their line-up and some of the stars, I’ve been fortunate to work with a couple of them at Leicester.
“But you look across that backline and they can hurt you in a whole lot of different ways.
“They are a running threat, they’re a kick threat, they have an incredible set-piece, they have an unbelievable defence – do you want me to keep going?
“We know what we’re up against this week, but we’re really excited by the challenge.
“It’s important for us to get the balance right this week, understanding what South Africa do and how they play, but also some of our strengths as well.
“I think it would be quite easy for us to be completely blown away by how good they are. So there will be some individuals we certainly prepare for.
“But they’re a very well-drilled outfit, and if we spend a lot of time focusing in on one player, someone else will burn us and get us.
“We understand they are a very, very good unit and we need to be prepared.”
Marcus Smith did not train fully for England on Tuesday, having taken a heavy knock to his face in Sunday’s 30-24 quarter-final win over Fiji.
The Harlequins star should be fit for Saturday though, leaving England pondering sticking with the 24-year-old at full-back or recalling high-ball master Freddie Steward.
“We are really excited for the weekend,” said Sinfield.
“We saw their game on Saturday evening and were in awe of the physicality that they brought.
“It was a great showcase for what rugby is about. We knew whoever we met at this point would be a tough challenge, as it would be either the hosts or the holders.
“We think they are a nation that play some of the best rugby, they know what they are about and they don’t shy away from it.”
