Rugby World Cup: England v South Africa – Red Rose ready to counter any element of ‘surprise’

PREPARATION TIME: England head coach Eddie Jones looks on during a training session in Fuchu. Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Courtney Lawes insists England need to be “ready for anything” in Saturday’s World Cup final against South Africa.

Lawes and company will go into battle as favourites to lift a second world title after England’s Jonny Wilkinson-inspired success against Australia 16 years ago.

England elevated their World Cup campaign to new heights with a stunning semi-final demolition of New Zealand.

It was the All Blacks’ first World Cup defeat for 12 years and destroyed all hope of them achieving an unprecedented trophy hat-trick.

England's Kyle Sinckler during the training session at Fuchu Asahi Football Park, Tokyo. Picture: Adam Davy/PA

South Africa, though, displayed their renowned physical approach in ultimately winning a prolonged arm-wrestle against Wales two days ago.

And Lawes, whose former Northampton team-mates include 2007 South African World Cup winner Victor Matfield, knows the Springboks present a considerable challenge.

“There are plenty of physical teams,” England lock Lawes said. “Are they one of the best in terms of physicality? Yes, certainly.

“It’s a big challenge for us, and it’s something we are going to have to front up to at the weekend.

GETTING READY: Courtney Lawes runs with the ball during the England training session at Fuchu Asahi Football Park in Tokyo. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images.

“They are tough guys, they are brought up tough and they play tough. So do we. So we are looking forward to it.

“I probably expect them to kick a lot – they do kick a lot generally.

“Being a World Cup final, we need to be ready for anything. There will be a couple of surprises thrown in there, I’m sure, but generally, they will stick to what they know.”

Lawes has fond memories of Matfield’s time at Franklin’s Gardens, with Saints having recruited a number of South African players down the years.

“He was a brilliant guy to have in the team, a fantastic leader,” Lawes added. “I picked up that side of things from him.

“Obviously, having so much experience and so much knowledge is something to marvel (at), really.”

With the ovations dying down after England’s masterclass against the All Blacks, England are now ready for one final push in their last game of the tournament.