Ollie Chessum reckons Boks 'prepared' for teammate who smashed Pieter-Steph du Toit

Ollie Chessum insists England are eager to test themselves against the best when they collide with South Africa at Ellis Park on Saturday.

England take on the back-to-back world champions at their spiritual home, having triumphed there just once before in 1972, in the toughest possible start to the Nations Championship.

But Chessum sees the first of three Tests on this month’s 25,000-mile tour that spans three continents as the chance to leave their mark on the Springboks in a rematch of the bitter 2023 World Cup semi-final.

“If there was no belief in the squad then we are in the wrong place,” the Leicester captain said. “The boys are really looking forward to it because with challenge comes an opportunity.

“South Africa are consecutive world champions and have got an incredibly experienced squad.

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“They are a remarkable outfit and have probably been at their peak these last two or three years. It is a challenge, but one the group are relishing.”

England have not toppled the Springboks since 2021, losing their three meetings since including the agonising 16-15 loss in Paris two years ago that denied them a place in the World Cup final.

They have been boosted by the return of full-back George Furbank and second-row George Martin from long-term injuries, while X-factor wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is back after missing the Six Nations because of a torn hamstring.

Martin’s first Test appearance for over a year is especially welcome given he left his mark on South Africa at the Stade de France, with a thumping hit on Pieter-Steph du Toit the highlight of a brutal display.

As his Leicester team-mate, Chessum saw first-hand what the 25-year-old went through to overcome a complicated nerve problem in his shoulder.

“It’s fantastic to see George back in an England shirt,” the blindside flanker said. “Not many people have seen the work that George has had to put in over the last 12-18 months.

“It was a long and scary road for him. I don’t think many rugby players have got a feeling for what George has been through because it was an injury where there is no real timeline for you to come back.

“He’s an enormous character in the squad and is adored by all the boys.

“Back in 2023 South Africa probably didn’t know too much about George Martin, but the world has seen a lot more of him since that game. I imagine the South Africans have prepared for him.

“Him and George Furbank being back after a long time out, Manny as well – as a group we have a real responsibility to make it a special day for those boys.”

Chessum will finish the match as England captain if Jamie George leaves the field early – the first time he has performed the role.

“I’m not one for speaking much,” Chessum said. “I like to think I lead by what I do and that’s what I’ve always tried to do.

“I’ve thrown myself into the training week so that I’m in the best possible position for this game.”