Cole ready for key encounter with ‘The Beast’ of South Africa

The highly-regarded Leicester forward, who has established himself as England’s first-choice tight-head over the past two years, will be at the forefront of the action as the three-Test series in South Africa begins on Saturday.

In a squad which includes 13 uncapped players, the 25-year-old finds himself as one of the more experienced men after 28 appearances and he feels a duty to set an example to the newcomers.

Cole said: “You do feel slightly older when you look around and see a lot of younger guys.

“But in the front row positions, players like Dylan Hartley, myself and Lee Mears, we are the senior guys. You have got to take that on. The tight-head’s job is scrummage and you have to lead that area of the field.

“I wouldn’t say I was established or experienced, but there is more responsibility.”

Cole’s clash with the man known as ‘The Beast’, Springboks loose-head Tendai Mtawarira, will be one of the most eagerly-anticipated aspects of the first Test in Durban.

South Africa, despite the loss of a number of forwards through retirement or injury, remain a formidable force up front and Cole has no doubt he is in for a tough workout.

Cole, who played under Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer during the South African’s brief spell at Welford Road, said: “When you come over here that is what you expect.

“Heyneke has spoken to all his players before now and the South Africans will play to their strengths, which are physical.

“There is not a lot of deception in the game like in Australia or New Zealand, they will take it to you. Physicality is the strength of the South African game, no doubt about it.”

South Africa have named three uncapped forwards. Locks Juandre Kruger and Eben Etzebeth and flanker Marcell Coetzee step in and prop Coenie Oosthuizen could make his first appearance off the bench. The starting 15 still boasts 458 Test caps.

South Africa: Z Kirchener; JP Pietersen, J de Villiers (capt), F Steyn, B Habana; M Steyn, F Hougaard; T Mtawarira, B du Plessis, J du Plessis; E Etzebeth, J Kruger, M Coetzee, W Alberts, P Spies.

Replacements: A Strauss, C Oosthuizen, F van der Merwe, K Daniel, R Pienaar, P Lambie, W Olivier.