England lock Danny Grewcock survived a gruelling two Test series against South Africa this summer and is ready for more of the same this Saturday.

"Games against South Africa are always extremely physical, and to come out on top in Bloemfontein has to be among my career highlights.

"We had to show real grit and determination to win that second Test, digging deep in a very close game," he said.

"The South African players are big guys who enjoy the physical contact. Luckily though, so do we."

With competition to be part of this England side very strong, Grewcock is the last person to take anything for granted, and he thrives on the pressure created by England second-row challengers like Steve Borthwick and Simon Shaw.

"Those guys are pushing hard, and when you add that to playing alongside Martin Johnson, who tends to stand head and shoulders above the rest of us, then it's a very competitive area," he added.

"I have been able to keep my place, but I know that Clive always picks on form.

"If you are playing well, then you will stay in the team, but if someone is playing better than you or your form dips, then they will step in.

"There are a lot of good players waiting for their chance, and you need that kind of constant pressure to keep you on top of your game."

"Hopefully, we can make it a more enjoyable game than it was against Argentina last Saturday. Unfortunately, the weather dictated the show then," he said.

"It is going to be an extremely tough 80, maybe 90 minutes. In beating Ireland and Wales through scoring late points, South Africa have shown that they keep playing right until the very end.

"But if we come out on top, then it will give us successive victories against Australia, Argentina and South Africa. In the past, we've missed out on stringing together a series of wins against quality opposition like that."