Watch South Africa v England live on Sky Sports Action or Main Event from 3pm on Saturday
Wednesday 6 June 2018 17:54, UK
England flanker Chris Robshaw says the players are "pushing each other to the limit" to make sure they are ready for their three-match tour of South Africa, which gets underway in Johannesburg on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
Harlequins forward Robshaw was captain of the England squad that last toured South Africa in 2012 and despite a Stuart Lancaster-coached side losing the series 1-0 - with the second Test at Ellis Park ending in a 14-14 draw - he is expecting a closely-fought run of matches this time around.
"We can't wait to get involved. We know it's going to be a brilliant, challenging and enjoyable series in some fantastic stadiums, in a country where rugby is really valued," Robshaw told Sky Sports News.
"We are training hard and pushing each other to the limit to make sure the 15 that go out there at the weekend are as ready as they can be.
"Having played at Ellis Park the last time, apart from Twickenham, it is the best stadium I have played at. The noise, the intensity, the passion.
"It is just an incredible place to go and play rugby and that is what we have to remember. It is their spiritual home…but we cannot allow them to get 15, 20 minutes into the game. In that first minute, you have to be ready to go."
Brad Shields could make his England debut after opting to play for the country of his parents' birth, having rejected the opportunity to press for an All Blacks place in his native New Zealand.
Robshaw says Shields is learning fast as he settles into the squad and Eddie Jones' style of play.
"We've only got to know him over the last day or so but he is hungry to learn," Robshaw said of Shields.
"He has brought something new and is trying to soak it all in, whether it's line-outs, scrum play or whatever it be, so he is ready.
"That's what you want from players, that hunger and excitement to be involved."
Watch the opening Test between South Africa and England on Saturday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event at 3pm.
