International/England v South Africa: Rarely have the consequences of a home defeat at Twickenham been starker. If England lose today they will plumb new depths in terms of successive losses and sink below Scotland to eighth in the world rankings. At a pinch they might just accept being labelled the worst team in English history but there are limits.

It will beggar belief if England perform as tamely as they did against Argentina last week. If they do not come steaming out of the dressingroom this afternoon, serious questions will have to be posed. The opposition happen to be their World Cup pool opponents South Africa.

Andy Robinson's future as head coach, too, is in a state of limbo. If England lose, he should resign but the same was said last week. As the World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson has observed, Robinson's days may well be numbered even if the Springboks are beaten twice within eight days. Today's principal interest revolves around the players and their ability to raise themselves for the most significant 80 minutes of Robinson's disappointing reign.

In some cases it will take a huge mental effort.

The prop Julian White, including the three Lions Tests in New Zealand last year, has lost the last 12 international games he has started. Martin Corry has, effectively, been warned by the Rugby Football Union's elite rugby director, Rob Andrew, his tenure as captain is hanging by a thread. Pat Sanderson, Joe Worsley and Charlie Hodgson are others who desperately need to prove they can transform their club form to the loftiest stage.

For Corry at least the past 48 hours have offered a glimmer of reassurance. News that Robinson is no longer bound by a deal to limit players to a maximum of three Tests this autumn has, at a stroke, removed a huge thicket of thorny selectorial issues and squashed idle rumours Lawrence Dallaglio is poised for an instant return. "We will be looking, if possible, to name the same side," confirmed Robinson, challenging a team containing seven changes and four positional switches to cement their places by boshing the Boks.

It is worth recalling England have won their last six encounters with the South Africans, whose previous victory in London was a 29-11 win in 1997.

South Africa coach Jake White is under even more pressure than Robinson with fresh demands from the Pretoria-based Blue Bulls this week for him to stand down following last Saturday's 32-15 thumping against Ireland.

There is a much more physical look about this Boks line-up with Butch James at outhalf and some huge individuals at lock and in the backrow but at least seven of White's first-choice side have their feet up back home.

For that reason alone England dare not finish second today. Their least favourite referee, New Zealander Steve Walsh, is in charge but this is no time to be casting around for scapegoats in the event of another failure.

"Judge us on our performance," pleaded Corry yesterday.

In Scotland, either way and in light of those rankings, the rising anticipation has never been greater. Guardian Service