Bok No.10 Manie Libbok bracing for a testing encounter against attritional England

While Libbok was pleased with his team's preparations after wrapping up their main training block on Wednesday before their well-deserved rest on Thursday, he expected the match to be an epic encounter.

"It's always a tough test against England - looking back, there have never been easy games against them," said Libbok.

"They're coming here this weekend with quality individuals, a quality team, and over and above that, they are well organised and well-coached, so it's going to be a tough Test match.

"That said, we've had a really good week of preparation and trained well, so we believe we are ready, but they're going to come hard at us, and we are looking forward to the battle."

England will announce their team on Thursday, but when quizzed about the prospect of facing their flyhalf Fin Smith, Libbok said: "He's a great player. He is creative and has good running abilities, while he also reads, understands, and controls the game well. I'm expecting an awesome challenge against him, and I'm looking forward to it."

Speaking about how he connects with Damian Willemse (fullback), who will be earning his 50th Test cap this weekend, Libbok said they clicked well from playing together at different levels across the game.

"Damian and I come a long way," said Libbok.

"We've been through age groups together, and spent almost four seasons together at the DHL Stormers, so we know each other really well and how to feed off one another. When we go onto the field, we don't have to say much because we have a good idea of what each one of us is going to do."

Commenting on making the move from Cape Town to Japan, where he currently plies his trade at the Kintetsu Liners, the Bok flyhalf said he thoroughly enjoyed the move and the experience of working with former Wallaby great Quade Cooper, who serves as their attack coach.

"It's been an awesome experience being overseas with my wife, we really enjoy Japan," said Libbok.

"Obviously, the culture is different, which is something new to us. But the people are very kind and have made us feel at home from the word go, and especially my team.

"The rugby in Japan is also more free-flowing, running rugby, which I enjoy as well. It's something I wanted when I made the move. It's fresh, and that's exactly what I'm experiencing."

Of playing under the guidance of Cooper, Libbok said: "It's amazing. I know what type of player Quade was, and he played quite similarly to me, so I've learned a lot from him. It's been awesome to pick his brain, and I've enjoyed the first season with him, and hopefully it will grow going into the future."

The Springboks will resume their on-field preparations on Friday with their traditional captains' run, before taking the field on Saturday. The match kicks off at 17:40.