The unbeaten South Africans, whose status as favourites was enhanced when closest rivals Australia were beaten by New Zealand in Cardiff, have already had to overcome several challenges to their character.

In both their group A matches there have been times, according to skipper Hansie Cronje, ``when we could easily have lost our way.''

South Africa lost both tosses, against India and Sri Lanka, and both times made bad starts.

Against Sri Lanka, a seaming wicket, poor strokes and some dubious umpiring decisions combined to see them slump to 122 for eight.

Cronje said such situations were a test of a team's mettle. ``It is no use feeling sorry for yourself. What's happened is in the past. You have got to stay calm and try and get on with winning the game.''

The theme was echoed by Bob Woolmer, who said:``Whatever happens, it is important that the players remain calm. That's the way you win games, you have to ride out these things.''

The ``calm'' word was used by Cronje again when he praised the level-headedness of Lance Klusener and Steve Elworthy, who steered South Africa to a respectable 199 for nine and, ultimately, to victory.

England, meanwhile, are expected to bring back Adam Hollioake, a batsman-seamer, instead of off-spinner Robert Croft, who played against Kenya.

Alec Stewart's men will be referring back to their home Test series victory over the Proteas last year for inspiration.

It is unlikely, however, that the England captain will spend too much time discussing their one-day record against the South Africans -- one win in the last nine matches and two in 12.

Woolmer said the England match was ``a very big game''. Both teams are unbeaten and already look set to qualify for the Super Six stage but the points from this game are vital, as they will be carried over into the secondstage.

``Both teams will also be vying for psychological points,'' Woolmer said.

Cronje added: ``England are playing well, we are playing well. It's going to be a hell of a contest.''

England have lost only three wickets in two matches, with Stewart, Nasser Hussain and Graeme Hick all in good form.

The downside, though, is that the rest of the batsmen have not had an innings, while facing the medium-pacers of Sri Lanka and Kenya is a very different challenge from that posed by South Africa's fast bowlers.

Leading bookmakers William Hill make South Africa the marginal favourites, quoting Cronje's side at 4-6 and England at 11-10.

Stewart accepts his side are the underdogs.

``South Africa are the form side and deserve to be the tournament favourites, but it's all down to how each side plays on the day.

``England against South Africa in any sport is big, but especially in cricket.''