Wednesday 12 November 2014 14:23, UK
England should call upon James Haskell to deal with the might of South Africa in this Saturday's Twickenham showdown, says Kyran Bracken.
The Springboks are unbeaten against the English in their last 11 Tests and head to Twickenham on the back of a heavy defeat in Ireland, while Stuart Lancaster's men are desperate to hit back after losing to New Zealand.
Some critics are demanding head coach Lancaster brings in new faces following their lacklustre show in the second half last weekend and while Bracken feels any alterations should be minimal, he does feel the introduction of Wasps back-row forward Haskell and Anthony Watson would be a huge boost.
Bracken, who played for England between 1993-2004, told Sky Sports News HQ: "Captain Chris Robshaw has defied the critics. He still seems to warrant his place without being the star of the team.
"I think a captain needs to be the first player on the team sheet and he’s still playing well but I feel Haskell is a case of horses for courses against South Africa.
"They’re the biggest team in world rugby so why not use one of your biggest men? He was ill recently so he may not be totally fit. I think he’s 18-19 stone so he’d be great. I doubt he’ll start but perhaps he can be used as a supersub."
England winger Semesa Rokoduguni is on the sidelines because of a hip injury and Bracken feels Bath's Watson is the perfect man to shine on the wing.
He said: "Rokoduguni was quite quiet against New Zealand. He did well defensively but what we want is excitement on the wings, we want him to have a go.
"Watson is a bit more daring and hopefully he can get the ball against South Africa and have an opportunity to excite and that’s what England need."
England will be disappointed after last weekend. They are still struggling to see off the big nations so South Africa will begin as sight favourites
Lancaster has suggested he may try to avoid "wholesale changes" for Saturday's clash with the Springboks, despite once again missing out on beating world champions New Zealand in their opening autumn international.
Bracken backs the stance of avoiding knee-jerk reactions and said: "Things have gone well from where they were at the last World Cup.
"England seem to be settled and are happy with their coaching team but now it’s all about the results. They had an opportunity to beat New Zealand and beating the southern hemisphere teams is crucial.
"They have Australia in their World Cup group. South Africa is another big test this weekend. It will be interesting to see how Lancaster reacts and who he picks. I think he has to stick with the same team from the first Test and show faith in those players. It’s all about results now and Lancaster needs that quick.
"South Africa need a win and so do England. This is two wounded nations going against each other and it will be very exciting.
"England will be disappointed after last weekend. They are still struggling to see off the big nations so South Africa will begin as slight favourites. It will be a huge tussle up front. I’d like to say England will win 25-24 but it will be very close."
Watch England take on South Africa Twickenham, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 2pm this Saturday.
