Saracens' John Smit thinks England have the upper-hand over the Springboks ahead of their opening Test match in Durban this Saturday.

The England squad arrived in South Africa last week for the three-Test series, but South Africa's new coach Heyneke Meyer has had less preparation for the opening match of the series and has included nine uncapped players in his squad.

The Springboks remain favourites to win the entire series, but former captain Smit, who helped South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory in 2007, still believes England have the best chance of victory this weekend.