SPIRIT OF THE BLITZ

England won't take backward step despite losses says Slade

- ADAM HATHAWAY

HENRY SLADE insists England are not about to put the shutters up and go into their shells when the world champion Springboks come calling on Saturday.

The England centre revealed Steve Borthwick's side will double down on their system as they aim to blitz the Boks.

The last time the teams met, in the 2023 World Cup semi-final in Paris, Borthwick devised a conservative kicking-based game plan to contain the South Africans.

He nearly pulled off a miracle but since then has used the aggressive blitz defensive system, with players rushing off the line to heap pressure on the opposition, and tried to layer on a more open, attacking game.

Australia picked the lock last Saturday in a stunning 42-37 win when they scored five tries to condemn England to a second autumn reverse and a fourth defeat on the spin.