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Cape Town - The Springboks are eager to avoid what happened against the British and Irish Lions in 2009 when they clash with England in the third and final Test in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
Back then the Boks also had an unassailable 2-0 series lead, which prompted then coach Peter de Villiers to pick a largely second string side by making 10 changes. The Boks were embarrassed 28-9 in Johannesburg and it took the gloss off what was a very good series victory.
However, Springbok scrumhalf Francois Hougaard has assured fans they have no intention of resting on their laurels and are eager to claim a 3-0 series win.
“At the start of the series it was our aim to win every game so there won’t be anything different about Saturday - we will be going flat out as if the other games hadn’t happened.
“This game is just as important to us as the other two Tests. We'll keep our feet on the accelerator," he told Die Burger.
"I am sure England will also be up for it, so we can’t afford to be complacent. The goal has always been to beat them 3-0.”
Unlike De Villiers in 2009, coach Heyneke Meyer is unlikely to change too much to his starting team, with only a few forced changes to the starting team anticipated.
Flank Willem Alberts (knee) and fullback Patrick Lambie (knee) will in all likelihood not be declared fit on Wednesday, with Jacques Potgieter and Gio Aplon expected to replace them.
With Frans Steyn getting married Wynand Olivier should get the nod at inside centre.
However, some changed is expected on the substitutes bench.
Elton Jantjies could make his Test debut as replacement flyhalf, while Ryan Kankowski could replace Keegan Daniel as reserve loose forward.
The clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium kicks off at 17:00 on Saturday.
Back then the Boks also had an unassailable 2-0 series lead, which prompted then coach Peter de Villiers to pick a largely second string side by making 10 changes. The Boks were embarrassed 28-9 in Johannesburg and it took the gloss off what was a very good series victory.
However, Springbok scrumhalf Francois Hougaard has assured fans they have no intention of resting on their laurels and are eager to claim a 3-0 series win.
“At the start of the series it was our aim to win every game so there won’t be anything different about Saturday - we will be going flat out as if the other games hadn’t happened.
“This game is just as important to us as the other two Tests. We'll keep our feet on the accelerator," he told Die Burger.
"I am sure England will also be up for it, so we can’t afford to be complacent. The goal has always been to beat them 3-0.”
Unlike De Villiers in 2009, coach Heyneke Meyer is unlikely to change too much to his starting team, with only a few forced changes to the starting team anticipated.
Flank Willem Alberts (knee) and fullback Patrick Lambie (knee) will in all likelihood not be declared fit on Wednesday, with Jacques Potgieter and Gio Aplon expected to replace them.
With Frans Steyn getting married Wynand Olivier should get the nod at inside centre.
However, some changed is expected on the substitutes bench.
Elton Jantjies could make his Test debut as replacement flyhalf, while Ryan Kankowski could replace Keegan Daniel as reserve loose forward.
The clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium kicks off at 17:00 on Saturday.
