Viljoen expects an English lesson

South Africa coach Harry Viljoen raised the modern practice of talking up the opposition to new heights of generosity yesterday, describing England as 'one of the two best teams in the world'.

In paying tribute to Saturday's Twickenham opponents and sounding as though he meant every word, Viljoen hardly missed an opportunity to emphasise the underdog role which he has claimed on South Africa's behalf. Clearly, he anticipates something better than last week's grim offering against Argentina.

'England have broken that mental block about beating the Southern Hemisphere sides,' said Viljoen at the Springboks' Windsor headquarters. 'They are a very well-run, professional organisation.

'I always have benchmarks and, right now, they are one of the benchmarks I use in our attempt to fast-track our way to the top. England have done wonderfully well, which is why I rate them in the top two alongside Australia.' Viljoen's starting XV will show at least one change to that which made Wales suffer on Sunday.

Stefan Terblanche, a full back before making his name as an international wing, reverts to his old position in place of Thinus Delport, who is starting the obligatory three-week rest after being concussed against Wales.

A second change will almost certainly have to be made today. Pieter Rossouw, an early casualty in Cardiff after damaging a hamstring, was '90 per cent unfit' yesterday, with Grant Esterhuizen standing by to replace him on the left wing.