All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says this weekend’s Test against England at Twickenham matches the scale of challenge they faced and overcame in Johannesburg last month.

Hansen has put the heat on his forwards to rise to the occasion as they did at Ellis Park six weeks ago, winning 38-21 in a performance recognised as the best of their 12 victorious Tests this year.

“We’ve done very well against probably the most physical pack in world rugby in South Africa,” Hansen said.

“The English pack will press us again. We’ve got to display a high level of physicality and intensity from numbers one to 23, but particularly numbers one to eight, because that’s where they’ll be coming for a start.”

The Ellis Park Test was against opponents who were confident and had enjoyed a strong 12 months.

The same can be said of England, whose shock 38-21 thrashing of New Zealand last December kick-started a run of nine wins from 10 Tests. They have won their last six at a Twickenham venue which Hansen admits can be daunting for visitors.

“Jo’burg is a big plus because we went there and we were successful, so that gives you confidence in those types of places,” he said.

“We know if we play well, we’re a pretty good side.”

Hansen says world No.3 England are more of an unknown quantity than No.2 South Africa, whose players they encounter multiple times every year at Test and Super Rugby level.

England Tests are less frequent, making it difficult to truly gauge their merit.

“You see them playing really well but you’re still not sure if they’re at that (Springboks) level,” he said.

“They’ve got a self-belief because of last year and we’ve got a desire that’s pretty high because of last year.

“Then it comes down to mentally on the day, how you can cope with it.”