England full-back Freddie Steward is relishing his return to the side against South Africa and says new laws intended to create more contestable kicks "are brilliant for the game".

Steward's aerial prowess is thought to be key if England are to end their four-game losing run in Saturday's Autumn Nations Series meeting with the double world champions at Allianz Stadium.

The 23-year-old was England's first-choice number 15 at the start of the year before losing his place during the Six Nations to George Furbank, who started both England's autumn defeats by New Zealand and Australia.

"It was one of the hardest things I've had to deal with," Steward told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"When you have something for a while and then you lose it, it puts into perspective how important that thing is to you.

"Not having that over the last couple months has been really challenging.

"Emotionally it has been tough, but I've had to use that as fuel to keep pushing and wanting to get better and win that place back.

"It can be a kick in the teeth but you have to use those experiences, and I'm sat here now as a better rugby player and a stronger person."

The hosts will be relying on the 6ft 5in Steward to command the sky in defence and attack as they look to avenge last year's World Cup semi-final defeat by the Springboks.