England had only just landed in Auckland at the start of the month when they were branded boring. That was the kindest remark made about them here so far. Diabolical was a word used to describe their performance against Argentina in the opening round with the six nations countries collectively written off as the northern frights.

England have been here before. Attempts to dismiss them as antediluvian in 2003 and 2007 only hardened their resolve and their team manager, Martin Johnson, is hardly one to let derogatory remarks deflect him. Nothing, as yet, has rivalled the opprobrium directed at the England team captained by Johnson in Australia eight years ago.

"England will not worry about being called boring or whatever," said the Scotland coach Andy Robinson, a member of England's management team when they won the World Cup in 2003.

"People here have to understand that there are many ways to win a match. In the old days at Leicester and Bath, spectators would turn up to watch driving mauls and I think that the way Romania played against us last week with their mauling was just as exciting as if they had moved the ball out wide and scored tries.

"The reason we love the game is because it is diverse. You should look for the differences. England will do what best suits them. In 1991, they had an outstanding year, winning the Grand Slam and reaching the World Cup final by playing controlled rugby. And then they were talked into moving the ball in the final by Wallabies such as David Campese and lost. That won't happen again. People here are concerned about England because their set pieces are so good and, as usual in the World Cup, the best teams will get through."

South Africa are no more adventurous than England but not only have the Springboks escaped censure here, they have hardly been mentioned. The holders are not seen as a threat after finishing at the bottom of the Tri Nations.

"Most eyes are on New Zealand because we are in their back yard and that suits us fine," said the South Africa fly-half, Morne Steyn. "They do not seem to be worried about us, or England, and I hope that continues to the end. We are the defending champions and we are not being talked about.

"I think the pressure is on New Zealand and we will see that when the knockout stage starts. England and South Africa have a safer game plan than the All Blacks: the flashy stuff is not always going to work and we both know that a drop goal can help you. England are certainly a contender to get into the last four and beyond and they are definitely on course."

It is the knockout stage when England and South Africa come into their own. Their ability to grind out results, based on strong set pieces and accurate kickers, both out of hand and off the floor, is long established. Since the inaugural World Cup in 1987, only one final, the one between Australia and France in 1999, has not involved at least one of either England or South Africa. If they are not loved, they are feared.

"I have been surprised by the criticism of northern hemisphere rugby since we have been in New Zealand," said Deacon Manu, Fiji's New Zealand born prop. "All the sides have players of real quality in their squads and I think what people here are missing is the significance of the Heineken Cup.

"It is not only a fantastic tournament that pitches you against teams from other countries, like the World Cup, but its format is the same: a group stage followed by knockout rugby. England have in the past shown how effective they are when the competition reaches its cut-throat stage. They will get better and better as the weeks go on and I would not be surprised to see them in the semi-finals at least. The north will certainly challenge this tournament."

Phil Kingsley-Jones, the Welshman who discovered Jonah Lomu and who is now the business and development manager of the Counties union, believes England pose the greatest threat to the All Blacks. "They have not come here to play pretty rugby but to win," he said. "They are capable of winning the tournament. I do not think anyone can touch the All Blacks on their day but too much pressure is being put on them here. I think it will be an England-New Zealand final."