I asked Warren Gatland why I’m not playing for the Lions

We attempted a few different things on Wednesday, including those tapped penalties. We want to keep them guessing and the more strings to our bow we have, then the better we are going to do. The more we can throw at them, the more often we can change the picture, the more it is going to benefit us.

They came pretty hard at us on Wednesday. They have not played a lot of rugby together and I am sure they wanted to set the tone physically. There is no way they had not thought about that. Every game they are going to want to come out and dominate us physically so if we want to be in the contest we are going to have to match them.

The unique thing about the Springboks is that there is not too much to think about when you play them but you always know that you are going to be in for a fight and you are always going to be sore afterwards! Your body is going on the line, and that is all there is to it. If you are not prepared to go there, you are not going to get very far.

The only time playing for England that I ever felt we got on top of them physically was back in November 2016 when we beat them at Twickenham. It was a game that we were incredibly up for and passionate about. They started picking up injuries and some of their bigger players were subbed off.

The support from home continues to keep all us going.

It was my fifth wedding anniversary on Friday. Jess has been working extremely hard looking after our children back home so I knew I had to make a big effort. It was not a last-minute thing, I spent quite a bit of time choosing some holiday gifts from Harrods for her. This one needed effort and expense. I just hope she likes them but I back myself! We have not been able to go on holiday for three years so hopefully when we get back from tour, we will be able to get away. 

But hopefully not just yet, Gats!