PDV's Bok column ahead of England

Peter de Villiers has some explaining to do after a relatively poor showing against Scotland last week, although it must be said the referee made it really tough.

Here's the coach's latest column as featured on www.sarugby.co.za.

The last week on tour is always tough, especially when it comes at the end of a long and hard season...

Earlier this week I said that my squad appeared mentally and physically tired after a demanding season of international and domestic rugby, which began in mid February with the Vodacom Super 14 concludes with Saturday's test against England. Our preparations on soft and heavy fields over the past three weeks, which is unusual to our players, has also had an impact.

Whilst members of the management team very carefully monitor the players to make sure they are fresh, mental exhaustion is a silent affliction that is not easy to detect. Physically the guys look strong and I have no doubt! that this group of players is capable of standing up to England at the weekend.

They have shown their mettle in the two previous tests against Wales and Scotland and, whilst the manner of winning was not always pretty, they have shown guts, character and determination when it has mattered the most.

If they can show similar resolve and improve on their accuracy and execution this weekend there is every chance of ending with a good win over England and becoming the first side return unbeaten from the Northern Hemisphere since 1997.

It will not be easy. We will face an England side that is full of talent and which will be determined to bounce back after its loss to Australia. They will also have the benefit of home advantage with a full house of 82 000 expected on Saturday.

For us, we have to go out there and play to our potential. Every player knows what he is capable of and must pulls his weight whilst every member of manageme! nt believes that the guys can unlock their potential if they b! uild a s olid foundation off which to play on Saturday.

Conditions and the home crowd will play a part as they have in Cardiff and Edinburgh and there will again be an air of expectation that the scalp of the world champions is there for the taking.

Whilst some may believe it to be a burden, we are proud of our world champion status and will try to defend it whenever we play. We are honoured to represent our country and will not surrender easily.

By Peter de Villiers