Dan Cole ready for 'The Beast'

England prop Dan Cole has said that he is ready to face South Africa's Tendai Mtawarira, nicknamed 'The Beast'.

England travel to South Africa for a three-Test series that begins on Saturday, and Cole is relishing the prospect.

"This is what you come to South Africa for, to take on the packs," said the 25-year-old.

"We have got a challenge on Saturday but if you want to be the best you have got to come up against the best and beat the best.

"The Beast is up there in world looseheads as one of the best and I want to go there and take him on."

The two sides meet on each of the next three Saturdays in Durban, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth respectively.