England coach Stuart Lancaster is adamant that South Africa will still be dangerous despite their lack of preparation time when the two sides meet this weekend.

The Springboks have had little time to get ready for the three-Test series with injuries and retirements reshaping the look of the side.

The South Africa players, who will be playing for new coach Heyneke Meyer for the first time, have been in domestic action and have only just met up this week.

However, Lancaster is taking nothing for granted and insists that his opponents will still be a stiff challenge in their own country.

"The Springboks have had limited preparation time together after the games this weekend but they have got a core of players who played not only at the World Cup, but prior to then," said Lancaster.

"So while they may have had little preparation time with the new coach there will be a common understanding and philosophy I am sure they will be able to play to.

"Any side that plays South Africa at home, irrespective of their preparation time, are going to find them very difficult opposition. You have to respect the physicality and the challenge the South Africans pose, but you have got to impose your own game on them."

The first match of the three-Test series takes place on Saturday in Durban.