Maro Itoje confident of overhauling South Africa challenge

England lock Maro Itoje sounded confident of starting the autumn internationals with a victory over South Africa despite not having beaten them in the last 10 years.

In the 37 games played between the two teams, England have managed to win just 12 with their last victory against the Springboks coming in November 2006. Also, no player from the current squad has been part of an England team that had tasted success against the Springboks previously.

Acknowledging the challenge ahead, the 21-year-old expressed full faith in the England squad and the support staffs.

"Obviously South Africa have a great rugby tradition and they have a pretty good record against us in recent years," he told England Rugby's official website.

"The challenge for us is to change that and I think we have a squad, a coaching staff and a backroom staff which is capable of doing that and we have to put in that hard work from now until November to do that."

Itoje had a fabulous previous season after he was a part of the Grand Slam winning England team during the 2016 Six Nations while going on to conquer the Premiership and European titles for the Saracens and is now looking forward to extend the red rose team's unbeaten winning streak which is currently at 10.

"I think motivation wise when you play for England it's always rocket high regardless of who we're playing, whether we're playing Old Millhillians or South Africa it's going to be sky-high," said the athletic Itoje, who can play either lock or flank.

"It's going to be very exciting, it's a great challenge and a great prospect hopefully, playing at Twickenham is always special."

Following their solitary Test against South Africa, England are also scheduled to play Fiji, Argentina and Australia at home.