England prop Joe Marler has urged the 2015 Rugby World Cup hosts to channel the frustration following their defeat by New Zealand when they face South Africa this weekend at Twickenham in the second of four November internationals.
England established a 14-11 halftime lead against the world champions but the All Blacks won 24-21 as they beat Stuart Lancaster’s side for the fifth successive match.
“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!” Marler said.
“We knew what we had to do in that second half. We spoke about it at halftime. And then we came out and did the opposite. Now we expect a reaction from ourselves,” the Harlequins’ captain added.
“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 since 2006, with their best performance a 14-14 draw in Port Elizabeth two years ago and they remain the only major side they have not defeated since Lancaster became coach.
Marler played the first of his 23 Tests against the Springboks, who suffered a shock 29-15 defeat by Ireland in their European tour opener on Saturday, and has not forgotten the experience.
“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.”
Lancaster’s record against the ‘big three’ of New Zealand, South Africa and Australia – the teams England must get past to win the World Cup next year – stands at two wins from 12 Tests.
