Henry Slade is adamant that England will not retreat into a defensive shell against the formidable Springboks on Saturday.

The England centre has revealed that under Steve Borthwick’s guidance, the Red Roses plan to reinforce their defensive strategy while also seeking to implement an expansive attacking game.

Despite a disappointing loss to Australia last Saturday, which marked England’s second defeat of the Autumn Series and extended their losing streak to four matches, Slade wants the squad to stay courageous.

Speaking on England’s resolve and style, the 31-year-old stated: “We are not going to shut up shop and go away from what we are trying to do. We have got a DNA of how we want to play, how we want to attack and how we want to defend.

“When you look at things as outcome-based, on the surface, nought from two isn’t good with the double World Cup winners coming up next – it is not an ideal situation to be in.

Slade added: “There have been a couple of mentions of it, I wasn’t playing but it looked like the boys were going really hard and really went after SA in a number of areas. We know we are going to have to bring a similar sort of thing again.

“Everyone was flat out in every single area of the game that day. From watching it the boys were all over it, so that is what it is going to take. It is going to take monumental effort because obviously they are a fantastic side. We have to be on it.”

“We have a specific way we want to play each week, catered to each team, but we have got our DNA what we are trying to be about, which is ever-present.

“The blitz is such a way of defending that if there is not a full buy-in, then cracks to appear. But the more understanding everyone has as a group it can be a really powerful way of defending.

Our discipline was not the best against Australia. If one person, or two people are flying up and one isn’t, there is a real disconnect there and at this level, teams exploit that. We are endeavouring to make sure everyone is together and if you do that there is not a lot of space.”

England suffered a 16-15 defeat at France 2023 without Slade who missed the cut to make the tournament. However, he has since become a key leader in the side and has started every one of England’s 10 Tests this calendar year.