South Africa and England collide on the opening weekend of rugby’s new Nations Championship with a mighty meeting of rivals at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
The world champions are in Test action for the first time this year seeking more success under Rassie Erasmus, and are close to fully loaded for the arrival of Steve Borthwick’s side. England face a gruelling itinerary over the next three weekends as they bid to bounce back from their worst-ever Six Nations, and are on a run of four consecutive defeats as they prepare for action again.
Maro Itoje has been rested for the July fixtures, leaving Jamie George to lead the travelling party. This is a first meeting with the Springboks in South Africa since 2018, with Borthwick and his squad likely to face a cauldron-like atmosphere despite initially slow ticket sales for the game.
Follow all of the latest from the Nations Championship clash with our live blog below:
Steve Borthwick’s vague words underline the tall task facing England this summer
Backed by the RFU hierarchy after the Six Nations, Steve Borthwick was nonetheless vague on what would change for England over the next few weeks – partly because the task really is tall and itinerary so tough:
Alex Coles encourages England team to fill Maro Itoje void
Alex Coles insists England must be ready to fill the leadership and playing voids created by Maro Itoje’s absence when they clash with South Africa at Ellis Park.
Itoje has been rested for the July tour – the first time he has been stood down for a campaign since making his Test debut a decade ago – with Jamie George deputising as captain in his absence.
Eben Etzebeth returns for South Africa as Springboks make fly half decision for England clash
It’s a fearsome looking South Africa side, with Manie Libbok at fly half and Eben Etzebeth back from suspension in the second row.
South Africa vs England LIVE
South Africa and England begin their Nations Championship campaigns with a mouthwatering meeting at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. It is eight years since England last took on their rivals in the Springboks’ backyard, and Steve Borthwick’s side face a tall task as they look to end a run of four successive defeats after a horror Six Nations.
Kick off is at 4.40pm BST.
