Martin Johnson wants Boks clash to be 'cup final'

The England manager has reverted to his strongest line-up and named the same starting XV that laid the foundations for their record 35-18 victory over Australia two Saturdays ago.

Lewis Moody returns to the openside as captain and Mike Tindall reclaims his place at outside centre from Matt Banahan after both senior players were rested for last week's win against Samoa. The Leicester pair of flanker Tom Croft and tighthead prop Dan Cole are also back in the starting team.

Johnson was disappointed that England's intensity levels dropped in the 26-13 win against Samoa and he warned that nothing but total commitment will do against the physical Springboks.

"Every Test is a cup final. There are not little Test matches," said Johnson. "Against Australia we took the lead and then kept our foot on the pedal. Last week our guys' intensity was a few per cent off and they have to be able to raise that, whoever they are playing.

"It is balls-out from the start to the end. If you are smart, accurate and disciplined then you have a chance to win. That is what we need to get to. It is going to be a big, big game. It is a cracking game to be involved in whenever you play South Africa. You know what you are going to get in terms of intensity.

"We know we will have to play at a very high level. It will be very physical, intense and a great Test match. Everyone is looking forward to a full-blooded Test match at Twickenham."

England have not beaten South Africa since 2006 and, two years ago, crashed 42-6 in a record home defeat.

England have been forced to change their pre-match preparations after covers were placed on the Twickenham pitch to protect it from the cold weather.

The RFU insist the match is not under threat but England will hold their traditional eve-of-Test captain's run at the team hotel instead.