Rassie Erasmus, South Africa's head coach, has suggested that England's Steve Borthwick is feeling the heat as his team prepares to face the reigning world champions at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

England are battling to avoid a fifth consecutive loss, with Borthwick's win rate standing at 50 per cent after 26 games in charge.

Despite recent narrow defeats to New Zealand and Australia, the Rugby Football Union has given Borthwick its "100 per cent full support".

Last year, England pushed South Africa to the limit in the World Cup semi-final using a conservative kicking strategy, and Erasmus believes Borthwick may resort to these successful past tactics.

"When you lose two games, even if it's by a point or last-minute try, the pressure does start to build. I've been there and certainly know how quickly that can get to you. Now Steve is a bit under pressure," Erasmus said.

He added: "Then one normally falls back on to what works for you. They've been successful like that in the past, so we very much expect them to try and squeeze us with the kicking game."

When questioned about the personal impact of such pressure, Erasmus reflected on his own experiences: "We have been on that side. Two or three years ago we lost three on the trot.

"It was almost four on the trot. It depends on the men in the room, the management. It depends on your CEO - they can make you feel like you have got a gun against your head.

"If you put pressure on coaches it is not nice and you tend to make emotional decisions. But Steve is too smart to do that. Sometimes you try to please them a bit, but I don't think he is that kind of man."

"Hopefully the environment around him is for him to believe in what he is doing, Hopefully he will get the win next weekend (against Japan)."

The South African tactician then delved into the strategic elements of team selection, stressing the disadvantage his team faces due to having one day less to prepare than England for their upcoming clash.

However, Erasmus had made up his mind early, with 12 changes announced from the team victorious over Scotland.

Skipper Siya Kolisi was back at the helm as Erasmus opted for a five-three split on the bench rather than the seven-one seen at Murrayfield, anticipating the stamina required to counteract England's robust kicking game and intense defence.

In a shock move within the Springboks' ranks, Manie Libbok took over the reins at fly-half instead of Handre Pollard - a decision undoubtedly made in the hope that Libbok would redeem himself after a lacklustre performance in a previous semi-final that saw him pulled off in the 31st minute.

Adding to his insightful commentary, even before England announced their line-up, Erasmus had predicted Freddie Steward's return at full-back under coach Borthwick's directive.

"Freddie will be at full-back, definitely. He's one of the best in the world. And now with having access to the ball when he's chasing, he's going to get even the balls they kick. He will be really devastating," Erasmus declared.