24 Nov 2010

Springbok coach confident his side will bounce back

8:09 am on 24 November 2010

The South African rugby coach Peter de Villiers says his side has no need to panic after last week's defeat to Scotland making just two changes to the team to face England at Twickenham on Sunday morning.

Halfback Ruan Pienaar and number eight Pierre Spies return to the starting lineup in what, from the remnants of the injury and suspension-ravaged squad, is probably de Villiers strongest possible fifteen.

The Springboks' grand slam hopes were washed away in the Edinburgh rain as Scotland secured a deserved 21-17 victory and they desperately want to avoid another setback in what the coach considers the toughest test of the tour.

De Villiers says the selectors would have been stupid not to go with the tried and tested and says he's confident the team has the ability to bounce back from last weekend's loss as long they execute more accurately.

South Africa last lost to England in 2006, winning the six meetings since then, including the 2007 World Cup final.

However, the hosts are a much-improved side this year and De Villiers is bracing himself.

England, fresh from wins over Australia and Samoa, will name their team on Friday.