South Africa have selected a strong and experienced side to open their season. They should win at home against an English side that struggled in the Six Nations just a few months ago. Given that it is the start of the season though, England could push the hosts for a long period.
Key Stats - Springbok World Champions
- South Africa have won 4 of their last 5 matches against England.
- South Africa have won their last 9 matches.
- England have lost their last 4 matches.
Sprinboks lead 5-0
South Africa have won four of their last five matches against England.
South Africa lost just Twice in 2025
South Africa, currently at the top of the world rankings and double Rugby World Cup winners, are clear favourites at Ellis Park on Saturday. 2025 was a superb season for the Springboks, losing just two test matches.
The one defeat was unexpected, at home to Australia, but they bounced back to win the Rugby Championship. They also beat New Zealand by a record 43-10 margin in Wellington.
On their November tour, the Springboks defeated both Ireland and France away from home while they thrashed Wales and held on 32-14 against Italy with 14 men. Last weekend, the Boks had little issue sealing an 80-31 win over the Barbarians.
England Shocking Six Nations
Going into the 2026 Six Nations, England were largely expected to be France’s biggest challeger but their campaign went wrong…very wrong.
After a 10-match winning streak, which included November 2025 successes against Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina, there was much confidence in this new-look England side.
However, despite a 48-7 victory over Wales to kick the Six Nations off, England fell apart. They lost 31-20 away to Scotland, 42-21 at home to Ireland and 23-18 in Rome against Italy. In their final game, England returned to some form, losing 48-46 in a pulsating match against France.
Sarting Lineups, Injuries & Team News
South Africa: Manie Libbok starts at flyhalf with Handre Pollard not even in the matchday squad. However, the key places are up front where South Africa are expected to have the edge with plenty of power and no shortage of experience.
England: Finn Smith starts at 10 while Henry Pollock takes his place on the bench for this encounter. He will no doubt get a “warm” welcome from the supporters when he arrives on the field.
South Africa: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian De Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph Du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas Du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Marco van Staden, 20 Cameron Hanekom, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Andre Esterhuizen, 23 Canan Moodie.
England: 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.