Tuesday 11 November 2014 11:50, UK
England prop Joe Marler has urged his team-mates to channel the frustration of their defeat to New Zealand into their performance against South Africa this weekend.
Stuart Lancaster’s side held a deserved 14-11 lead over the All Blacks at half-time at Twickenham on Saturday but struggled after the interval as they lost 24-21.
Marler has now demanded an emphatic response when the Springboks visit Twickenham.
"Our levels of frustration are high and the game review was very honest. I can't really use the words that I'd like to use!" the Harlequins captain said.
"We knew what we had to do in that second half. We spoke about it at half-time. And then we came out and did the opposite. Now we expect a reaction from ourselves.
We'll take the frustration into this weekend. From a personal point of view it's important to use that frustration to spur you on that little bit more.
"We'll take the frustration into this weekend. From a personal point of view it's important to use that frustration to spur you on that little bit more."
England have not beaten South Africa in 11 matches dating back to 2006 with their best performance a 14-14 draw in Port Elizabeth two years ago.
Marler made the first of his 23 Test appearances against the Springboks and they left a lasting impression, but the loosehead is ready for the challenge.
"The 2012 tour was a baptism of fire for some of us. Physicality is part and parcel of their culture," Marler said.
"Against every international team you've got to be physical otherwise you're going to get pumped, but South Africa as a nation stand very tall and proud.
"Their DNA is run hard and if that doesn't work then run harder. They pride themselves on that.
"It always takes more than we expect from ourselves to beat the southern hemisphere teams.
"They've set the standard over the years and are continuing to do so, but I'd like to think we've got a squad now who can stand toe-to-toe with them.
"It's about having the belief that we're not just capable of hanging in there, but can ramp it up ourselves at the right time and take them to some darker places."
Watch England v South Africa live on Sky Sports 1 at 2.30pm on Saturday.
