World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson described this tournament as the "battle of the breakdown".

And in Schalk Burger and Juan Smith, South Africa have two of the world's outstanding exponents in turning over ball.

"The South African back row knock guys backwards, they know how to shut a game down," said Brooke. "If England don't get themselves on the front foot then it is going to be difficult.

"But they can put Burger and Smith off their game. England's loose forward trio did a job on Australia's George Smith. The likes of Lewis Moody and Martin Corry will need to do the same again."