Borthwick Names England Team to Take on Springboks at Ellis Park
England Gearing up for a Massive Encounter
Steve Borthwick has named his England matchday squad to face the Springboks in what promises to be a blockbuster opening fixture of the inaugural Nations Championship at Ellis Park on Saturday.
For South African rugby supporters, this is exactly the type of Test match that gets the blood pumping. Ellis Park has long been one of the toughest venues in world rugby, and England arrive in Johannesburg looking to upset the reigning world champions on the Highveld.
While the visitors have selected an experienced squad, they’ll need to produce one of their best performances in years if they’re to topple a Springbok outfit that has made Ellis Park a fortress.
Match Details:
- Fixture: South Africa vs England
- Competition: Nations Championship
- Venue: Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
- Date: Saturday, 4 July 2026
- Kick-off: 17:40 (SAST)
- Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
- Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland), Pierre Brousset (France)
- TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
The encounter marks the first Test between the two nations at Ellis Park since 2018 and begins another massive international campaign for the Springboks before upcoming clashes against Scotland, Wales and the highly anticipated rivalry series against New Zealand.
England Make Five Changes
Borthwick has made five changes to his starting XV, with experienced hooker Jamie George taking over the captaincy while Maro Itoje is unavailable.
England will hope George’s leadership and vast Test experience can steady a side facing arguably the toughest assignment in world rugby.
England XV
- 15 George Furbank
- 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
- 13 Tommy Freeman
- 12 Seb Atkinson
- 11 Cadan Murley
- 10 Fin Smith
- 9 Jack van Poortvliet
- 8 Ben Earl
- 7 Tom Curry
- 6 Ollie Chessum
- 5 George Martin
- 4 Alex Coles
- 3 Joe Heyes
- 2 Jamie George (captain)
- 1 Ellis Genge
Replacements
- 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie
- 17 Beno Obano
- 18 Asher Opoku-Fordjour
- 19 Charlie Ewels
- 20 Guy Pepper
- 21 Henry Pollock
- 22 Alex Mitchell
- 23 Marcus Smith
Players the Springboks Must Watch
England may not arrive as favourites, but they still possess enough quality to punish any lapses.
Jamie George
The veteran hooker will be expected to marshal England’s lineout and keep their set-piece competitive against one of rugby’s most dominant forward packs.
Fin Smith
Smith earns the No.10 jersey ahead of Marcus Smith, largely because of his tactical kicking game. Playing at altitude demands smart territory management, making his decision-making crucial.
George Furbank
Back after an extended absence, Furbank offers England an additional attacking threat from deep and is particularly dangerous in broken play.
Tom Curry
One of England’s most relentless defenders, Curry’s battle with Siya Kolisi and the Springbok loose trio could help determine who wins the breakdown.
Henry Pollock
Although starting on the bench, the exciting youngster could make a major impact during the final quarter if England remain in the contest.
Springboks Ready for Another Ellis Park Battle
The Springboks, coached by Rassie Erasmus, have named a typically powerful side led by Siya Kolisi, while Manie Libbok starts at flyhalf. There are also milestone appearances for Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse, adding even more significance to an already eagerly anticipated Test.
Borthwick acknowledged the size of the challenge.
“Playing South Africa at Ellis Park is one of the great Tests in world rugby and an opportunity we’re excited to embrace.”
England will know that matching the Springboks physically is only half the battle. Winning collisions, coping with the altitude and limiting errors will all be essential if they hope to leave Johannesburg with an upset victory. For South African supporters, however, confidence remains high. The Springboks boast superior depth, arguably the world’s best forward pack and a home record that makes them deserved favourites.
England vs Springboks Betting odds
- Springboks Win. 1.24
- England Win. 4.20
- Draw. 26.00
- Springboks -12.5 Handicap. 1.90
- Over 48.5 Points. 1.95
- Under 48.5 Points. 1.85
If you’re not sure how odds work. Take the time to read our guide explaining betting odds.
Best Bet for England vs Springboks
Springboks -12.5 Handicap @ 1.90
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Playing at Ellis Park is one of the toughest assignments in international rugby. The Springboks have significantly more experience, superior forward depth and should dominate the set-piece.
Top 5 Best Bets for England vs Springboks
| Bet | Odds | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Springboks -12.5 Handicap | 1.90 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 |
| Springboks to Win | 1.24 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 |
| Cheslin Kolbe Anytime Try Scorer | 2.10 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 |
| First Try – Springboks | 1.65 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 |
| Over 48.5 Match Points | 1.95 | ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 |
If you’d like to learn more about rugby betting. Take the time to read our rugby betting strategy guide.
Prediction
England have selected a balanced side with enough experience to remain competitive early on, but Ellis Park is an unforgiving venue. If the Springboks establish dominance at scrum time and win the aerial contest, their superior bench should create separation during the final 30 minutes.
Predicted score: South Africa 34-18 England
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England vs Springboks FAQ’s
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Sibusiso loves all things sport and has been writing and living the game for the last ten years. Sibo can be found at his local when Liverpool or Pirates plays a match. He brings deep insights into upcoming football or rugby matches.