South Africa team

"We have to look in the mirror to see where we are, there's no point avoiding these nations," Johnson told BBC Wales.

"England's success has been built on fighting the top sides home and away whereas we've tended to avoid them.

"I was in their camp in the summer. They're no different to us, they have weaknesses - I say bring them on."

Johnson said he was not worried by last June's game in Pretoria when the Springboks hammered Wales 53-18, a warm-up before they went on to claim Tri Nations glory.

I spent a few days with South Africa during the Tri Nations and they are fallible Scott Johnson June 2004: S Africa 53-18 Wales

"The roles are reversed from last summer when we toured at the end of our season with a lot of younger players," said Johnson.

"It's a different game and there's different money on the table now.

"They have showed respect to us by picking a strong side, and so they should.

"I spent a few days with them when I was in Australia during the Tri Nations and they are fallible."

Johnson - who also worked under former Wales coach and now New Zealand assistant Steve Hansen - revealed he was sending the same message to the All Blacks, who Wales face in Cardiff on 20 November.

"I spoke to Steve last night and told him the same thing - bring it on," said Johnson.

"This team is developing as a group of people, just like a club side.

"There's a lot of competition for positions, we can pick two teams as the 'B' players have stepped up a mark.

The opportunity to win the Tri Nations and the Grand Slam in the same year doesn't happen often South Africa coach Jake White

"We are now looking for four great performances in the autumn internationals, starting with the Springboks.

"We have to put the monster to bed, if we keep avoiding it the monster will just get bigger."

Meanwhile, South Africa coach Jake White has warned his side to expect a furious opening onslaught from Wales.

"The first 20 minutes against Wales will be the most crucial if we are to become the first Springbok team in 43 years to pull off the Grand Slam," said White.

"That will determine how well the tour goes, we don't want to struggle to get our phases and patterns going against Wales.

"The opportunity to win the Tri Nations and the Grand Slam in the same year doesn't happen often and it probably won't come around again for this group of players."