Chris Robshaw: In confident mood ahead of South Africa clash

Chris Robshaw insists England can put their below-par performance against New Zealand behind them this weekend when South Africa visit Twickenham.

The England captain was hugely disappointed after going down to their fifth straight defeat to the All Blacks on Saturday but feels the side are well equipped to beat the Springboks.

South Africa themselves were hammered by Ireland in the first Test match of their end-of-season tour.

Robshaw told Sky Sports News HQ: "All the guys were frustrated because we started well but unfortunately in the second half we slipped off a bit and credit to New Zealand, they are an extremely experienced side and they kept the pressure on us.

They kept us in our 22 and in our half. Especially as the conditions came down, they were smart and held onto the ball. Chris Robshaw

"They kept us in our 22 and in our half. Especially as the conditions came down, they were smart and held onto the ball.

"We have an opportunity this weekend to go out and put it right against the second-best side in the world and it is extremely exciting. All the guys are excited and we have worked hard in certain areas to improve our game."

Robshaw then revealed he thought he had made the right decision to kick a late penalty to the corner instead of taking the three points to level the game against New Zealand, eventually going down 24-21.

He added: "We spoke about it on the pitch and thought we had a lot of dominance in those areas. We thought ‘in this half, being in their 22, are we actually going to get here again?’ whereas if we had a penalty around the halfway line, we would have backed our kickers to get it. All these things go through your mind at the time.

Lewis Moody and Kyran Bracken look ahead to England's QBE Autumn International clash with South Africa Lewis Moody and Kyran Bracken look ahead to England's QBE Autumn International clash with South Africa

"You are looking at the rest of the pack and the rest of the team and judging the mood. I spoke to our front row and they were keen to go for it. When they are hungry for it, you generally listen and give them what they want. And fair play to them, they got us over. Not many teams get a penalty try against New Zealand.

"Both sides are definitely going to want to get that win. Every series or campaign, you are looking for that first win and when you don’t get it the pressure builds."

Watch England take on South Africa live from Twickenham this Saturday on Sky Sports 1 from 2.30pm