Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says he is excited to run out for his first game at Twickenham on Saturday.

Despite boasting a 37-cap Test career, Kolisi has never played against England at their home ground.

In fact, the three Tests against the English in June were his first appearances against one of the Boks’ traditional rivals.

‘It is going to be a different atmosphere to what it was in South Africa,’ said Kolisi on Friday. ‘We are excited and it is also my first time playing here so I am looking forward to it.

‘When I was younger I didn’t watch rugby a lot. I did not have TV and stuff. When I was older I was able to watch the senior guys when they played here. I was watching the guys playing here a couple of years ago when I was injured.

‘I have been excited to play here. I was here during the World Cup but never got the chance to play. Rugby is huge here, it’s where it all started so I am keen to play at Twickenham.’

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Much has been made about England’s injury crisis as well as the size and experience of the Springbok pack. But Kolisi said he does not feel this will favour of the Boks on Saturday.

‘That does not mean anything. It is all about the day, I think. Sometimes experience does help a lot but they play all their rugby here so they know how it works.

‘It is going to be a tough area because that is where the battle will start. Their pack is also pretty strong. They have made a couple of changes but on this side of the world that is where the game is won. We know they are good at that and they showed it in South Africa as well.’

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