Lancaster excited about Test task

England need a victory in Johannesburg to stand a chance of winning the three-Test series and Lancaster was heartened by a largely second-string side’s 54-26 win over a Southern Barbarians team yesterday.

With most of the rested Test side having travelled to Kimberley to watch the midweek tour match, Lancaster now wants to carry momentum into the weekend.

Lancaster said: “It has been the perfect game for us to come here.

“Not just for the guys that have played, but the guys that have watched, to understand the size of the challenge.

“Ellis Park on Saturday is a truly formidable challenge but it is one we are excited about.

“We felt we pushed the Springboks close on Saturday and we have got to raise that by another 10 or 15 per cent at least.”

The game was not as much about the result but individual performances and team selection.

Winger David Strettle was withdrawn before the game to keep him fresh for the weekend as Lancaster later revealed Ugo Monye had a tight hamstring.

Full-back Alex Goode was withdrawn at half-time suggesting he too could be in the squad for the second Test due to be announced today.

England must make two changes in the back line for the second Test with Mike Brown and Brad Barritt out injured.

There are numerous permutations including switching Ben Foden from the wing to full-back, although he did not travel to Kimberley as a precaution.

In terms of the run-out at Kimberley’s GWK Park, England ultimately won in convincing fashion with winger Christian Wade claiming a hat-trick of tries.

Thomas Waldrom crossed twice while there were further touchdowns for George Lowe, Graham Kitchener and the impressive Danny Care.