England begin their Nations Championship campaign with a daunting trip to Johannesburg to face the reigning world champion Springboks on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Kick-off at Ellis Park Stadium is set for 4:40pm BST (5:40pm local time), with the match broadcast live on ITV4 in the UK and streamed via ITVX.
Team news and lineups
England are without influential lock Maro Itoje, who is rested for the month, with Jamie George returning as captain. The headline selection was George Furbank at full-back, but he was ruled out on Saturday morning with appendicitis. Marcus Smith is expected to replace him in the back three. Jack van Poortvliet starts at scrum-half ahead of Alex Mitchell and Ben Spencer, while Fin Smith continues at fly-half. The forward pack sees Ellis Genge, Jamie George, and Joe Heyes in the front row, with George Martin and Alex Coles in the second row. Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, and Ben Earl form the back row. A 5-2 bench includes Henry Pollock and Guy Pepper.
South Africa are without Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (ankle surgery), with Manie Libbok starting at fly-half alongside Grant Williams. Full-back Damian Willemse and wing Cheslin Kolbe earn their 50th caps. Captain Siya Kolisi leads a formidable back row featuring Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese. Eben Etzebeth returns from suspension at lock, partnered by Ruan Nortje. Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Thomas du Toit start in the front row.
Head-to-head history
South Africa have won the last three meetings, including a 29-20 victory at Twickenham in November 2024 and a one-point World Cup semi-final win in 2023. England have not beaten the Springboks since autumn 2021, and their last win in South Africa was in 2018. Overall, South Africa lead the series 29 wins to 16, with two draws.
Match odds and prediction
South Africa are overwhelming favourites at 1/8, with England at 11/2 and a draw at 30/1. The Springboks recently scored 12 tries in an 80-31 demolition of the Barbarians. England finished the Six Nations with a historically bad campaign, though they pushed France close in a 48-46 defeat. A South Africa win by 18 points is predicted.
