Before getting into the tournament opener, skipper Faf du Plessis on Wednesday said that they will be forced to make changes in their game plan as not having Steyn will be a big loss.
“He is a big loss to our team,” du Plessis told reporters.
“He was probably about 60 per cent when the squad was picked so we anticipated for this to happen, but a fit Dale Steyn makes our bowling attack a very, very strong one. So tomorrow will be a little bit of chopping and changing,” he added.
Du Plessis will lead his side out at The Oval against the world's top-ranked team, which is also chasing its maiden World Cup trophy. England have won 15 of their last 19 ODI series and are the team to beat on home soil.
‘Chokers’ is a tag South Africa have been used to at World Cups as they are also chasing their first trophy.
“Whether you are favourites or not, you still have to play good cricket. They deservedly have the tag because they are the home nation and have consistently played good cricket,” said du Plessis.
“But you will face such different opposition through this tournament so it is about making sure you stay focussed for the whole tournament. England are the favourites so if it means on the day there is less pressure on us then we can play freely,” he added.