South Africa winger Bryan Habana has insisted that the lack of preparation for the three-Test series with England is not a big problem.
England have been together for nearly two weeks now whereas South Africa have still been in domestic action. Retirement and injuries along with new coach Heyneke Meyer are all reasons for the reshaping of the Springboks, but Habana has played down the idea of the hosts being at a disadvantage.
"I don't think it gives them the upper hand," argued Habana. "The experience they have had as a team together during the Six Nations and in their preparations over the last two weeks is definitely going to benefit them, but I don't think it is going to make a difference.
"On the other side of the coin we have got an unbelievably talented group of youngsters who want to go out there and show how good they are and how much they want to wear that Springbok jersey with pride.
"We understand the brutality of Super rugby - we have been toiling at it for the last 14 weeks, guys putting their bodies on the line. That might benefit us. Come Saturday afternoon at Kings Park Stadium - I think it is going to be a real titanic clash. I think the team that is willing to put their bodies on the line and want it more will come out victorious."
England face South Africa in Durban in the first of the Test match series on Saturday.
Matt Cotton
