Autumn Tests don't always seize the attention of the public, but this one should. Twickenham will stage a monstrous match on Saturday. Cancel all other plans and pay attention.
The national stadium will be turned into a melting pot of passion and power, rage and defiance when England and South Africa resume hostilities.
After the home-banker win over Tonga and the extension of a record winning run against Australia, this is the serious business for Eddie Jones's side. This is the sharp end of the November campaign. This is the one they have been waiting for.
Eddie Jones' England are preparing to face a strong South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday
The last time they played, England were overpowered by the Springboks in the World Cup final
A new era for England needs a statement victory to launch it in style. Jones has talked about a desire to claim a treasured 'scalp' on Saturday afternoon.
His squad will also be desperate to end an up-and-down 2021 — more down than up, given the fifth-place finish in the Six Nations — on a high.
If they could win this one, it would not banish the haunting memory of their World Cup final demise against the same opponents two years ago, but it would chase away some of the ghosts.
Such is the determination to turn the tables on the Boks that the England management have cultivated a theory that the South Africans see their pack as 'weak'. Time will tell if the psychological tactic pays off.
Emotional energy won't be in short supply before and during this game — the hosts will be urged on by a full house and they will need all of the noise and fervour that an English crowd can muster.
Those in the Twickenham stands must turn up the volume in the knowledge that Jones's team are the clear underdogs. In the front row and back three, they are partly new and unproven — and they are still bedding in a new conductor at No 10.
England have had a good autumn (above) but will want a statement win to launch their new era
Recent history between these countries is mixed, with three wins apiece during Jones's regime. But the World Cup defeat casts a long shadow over English hopes.
It was an emphatic endorsement of South African physicality and the local fear is that this next encounter could go much the same way.
For all the talk of the renowned Springbok Bomb Squad of menacing forward muscle on the bench, their starters are not too shabby, either. The front-row unit of Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi and Trevor Nyakane have enhanced their reputations this year.
Captain Siya Kolisi has returned to prime form, veteran Duane Vermeulen has added clout and know-how since recovering from
