Eben Etzebeth backed to be South Africa's 'enforcer' against England at Twickenham
Wednesday 21 November 2012 16:21, UK
Image:Eben Etzebeth: South Africa lock free to play at Twickenham after disciplinary hearing
South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer was relieved to be able to include hardman Eben Etzebeth in his pack for the autumn Test against England at Twickenham on Saturday.
Tough
Meyer, the former Leicester director of rugby, does not consider England as a side to with a soft underbelly - at least not any more.
"Looking back I always looked on England teams as great teams but I never thought they were so tough but when I coached at Leicester I was really impressed by their physicality," he said.
"Lewis Moody and Martin Corry and those guys are probably the toughest guys I have coached. My whole perception has changed.
"They always bring it physically. It will be a bruising encounter.
"The last three Test matches were really physical and that was at the end of their long season. Now they are fresh and we need to toughen up and put our bodies on the line.
"I have a lot of respect for their scrummaging power. Dan Cole, I believe, is close to being the best tighthead in the world. They have really good lineouts and defensively they are a good team."
