Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Test Rugby
Nations Championship
International Rugby Union
South Africa vs England
Ellis Park
Johannesburg, South Africa
Saturday, 4 July 2026
Kick-off is at 17:40
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for experience and continuity ahead of their inaugural Nations Championship clash against England at Ellis Park on Saturday.
South Africa commenced their test campaign on a flying note following a dominant 80-31 win against the Barbarians at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last Saturday.
Now, in anticipation of their match against England, Erasmus and his charges will take to Ellis Park with a number of experienced players, and he expects England to put up a fight in their first major test match of the season.
Both Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse will make their 50th appearance for South Africa, while Siya Kolisi will lead the team as captain for the 72nd time this weekend.
Kolisi, along with Eben Etzebeth will enter the game as centurions, while regulars such as Ox Nche, Pieter-Steph Du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende have been named in the starting XV.
Image source: Getty Images
As a late call-up, Elrigh Louw joined the squad on Tuesday to provide further depth in the forwards department. Erasmus thus named a traditional 5-3 split on the bench, which could change given Andre Esterhuizen’s ability to play both centre and flank positions.
Reflecting on the upcoming match, Erasmus expressed that guarding the team’s harmony will be his biggest challenge, and he expects England to pull out all the stops at Ellis Park on Saturday.
“We know what we are in for this Saturday. England have come here to win, we understand that, and want the victory just as much,” Erasmus said.
“My biggest fear is probably not losing, because in sport you will lose games — last year we lost a few and the year before that, too. My biggest fear is not stopping coaching or those inevitable defeats.
"My biggest fear is around damaging the special togetherness we have in South Africa. It gives me an adrenaline rush; I fear that going. That is why we work so hard.”
Springbok team: Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Manie Libbok, Grant Williams, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Ruan Nortje, Eben Etzebeth, Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche.
Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, Zachary Porthen, Marco van Staden, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach, Andre Esterhuizen, Canan Moodie.
International Rugby Union fixture:
17:40: Springboks vs England
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