Siya Kolisi names England star as the toughest opponent of his career

The world's top-ranked side begin their quest to become the inaugural Nations Championship winners against Steve Borthwick's England in Johannesburg, but Kolisi insists there is no danger of South Africa underestimating their visitors despite the gap in the world rankings.

Speaking ahead of the clash, the Springbok skipper singled out Curry as one of the standout players in England's side.

"He's one of the toughest guys I've ever played against. I remember since 2018, and then in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final too. He's a special human being, and I love playing against him. Tomorrow's going to be no different."

Kolisi also rejected suggestions that the Springboks should be viewed as overwhelming favourites on home soil.

"We listen to our coaches, and we know what it feels like to be beaten." The back-to-back Rugby World Cup winning captain said.

"We never walk into any match feeling like we're definitely going to win. If we did, we wouldn't have prepared the way we prepared this week. We've seen what England have done in Tests before, and we know the form they're in, so we are in a strong mindset as a team."

"Playing against them is always a big deal. They always pitch up, and we're excited because we know how big it's going to be for them and for us as well."

The Springbok captain also dismissed any notion that England's recent Six Nations campaign provides an accurate reflection of the challenge awaiting South Africa.

"We've analysed them, and results-wise, I don't think we can take too much from their Six Nations campaign because if you look at their last game against France, they almost won it in the final seconds, and France is one of the best teams in the world."

"They are going to be psyched up for this match and will pitch up physically. They almost took us out of the (2023) World Cup in the semi-final, and something we learned from that game is that if you don't execute your plan very well against England, they have the potential to punish you."

"They are physically aggressive, even under the high balls. So, whatever they've done in the past won't matter. What will make the difference is if we pitch up. We know they're in a good mental space, and several players are in form for their clubs, so they'll bring good energy. If we don't pitch up and execute in the set pieces and in our kicking game, we're going to be in trouble."

Kolisi admitted the expectation that comes with being world champions is something the Springboks embrace rather than fear.

"There's always pressure. You'd be silly to feel comfortable. But I think that's what keeps us going."

Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick echoed his captain's sentiments, expecting England to arrive with confidence after strong club campaigns from many of their players. Stick picked out two of England's in-form fly halves as players to watch across the backs.

"If you look at their rewarding performances from their club players, and a guy like Finn Smith at 10 ahead of an experienced player like George Ford, they'll bring a lot of energy."

"Their backline has players with massive speed and an X-factor, so those players will bring it."

"That said, we've also prepared well, and we know it's going to be a tough game. Matches between us mainly start up front, and England take pride in how they operate there, so we'll make sure we get our boys ready because it's going to be a massive Test. They also have a strong kicking game, so it will be a challenge, but we'll be prepared."

Stick also highlighted the specific areas where he believes England pose the biggest threat.

"They can kick the ball, and they are strong in the contestable game, while they have Smith, who can attack, and backs who have shown they can run. I also have no doubt they would have worked on their set pieces as well because they've always been strong there."