England face a tall task if they are end their recent woe as Steve Borthwick’s side welcome world champions South Africa to Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Four successive defeats by fine margins have piled the pressure on England, with Borthwick left furious by a loose performance against Australia last weekend. The squad have closed ranks this week as they attempt to channel the pain of that run and last year’s World Cup semi-final, when they let a game they had in their grasp slip away as the Springboks roared back to victory.
Rassie Erasmus’s visitors have seemingly only improved since then, evolving significantly during a successful Rugby Championship campaign. Several key players were rested against Scotland last weekend and South Africa still emerged on top – Siya Kolisi, Cheslin Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit are among those restored to the starting side for what should be a physical, fierce affair.
Follow all of the latest from the Allianz Stadium in our live blog below:
England vs Springboks
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England host South Africa in Twickenham, with kick off at 5.40pm GMT live on TNT Sports
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Steve Borthwick’s side have suffered four defeats in a row and face a tough test against the world champions
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Springboks won the Rugby Championship and opened their November with a win against Scotland
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TRY! 4’ Sleightholme scores after Smith magic to deliver perfect start [ENG 7-0 RSA]
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TRY! 11’ Williams with a special try after a gorgeous step inside to beat Steward [ENG 7-7 RSA]
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TRY 16’ Du Toit blocks Smith’s kick and collects the ball for opportunistic score [ENG 10-12 RSA]
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TRY! 22’ Kolbe spare on the outside and finishes well after Williams’ kick [ENG 10-19 RSA]
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TRY! 26’ Underhill burrows through to reply for England [ENG 17-19 RSA]
England 17-19 South Africa
18:23 , Jack Rathborn
39 mins
England holding on from Freeman… A chance for Libbok, who fancies a dig from range.
From 48m… 2/3 becomes 2/4 for Libbok and England collect with Slade and boot into touch.
England 17-19 South Africa
18:21 , Jack Rathborn
37 mins
A scrum then as England pile on the pressure approaching South Africa’s try line.
But the collapsing scrum, the hosts’ second scrum penalty of the match to their opponents’ zero, offers the Boks a reprieve, a boot away from Libbok gets them up and away.
England 17-19 South Africa
18:18 , Jack Rathborn
35 mins
That’ll do his confidence the world of good, Steward gathering from a high ball, a real test that one, as the Springboks sniffed an opening in midfield.
And another! But this time he eats up the ground, Steward with a dink over the time, Libbok desperately trying to beat Freeman in a foot race. A kind bounce saves the Boks but England are alive as half-time approaches.
The Boks have the kicking advantage so far, an average of 31.4m versus England’s 23m.
England 17-19 South Africa
18:16 , Jack Rathborn
33 mins
Fassi with a big, arching kick to Smith and he’ll try collect it, but Smith gathers and sends England on their way, bumping into the Springboks’ No. 15 and turning the tables nicely.
He then joins in after Freeman goes back inside, sidestepping Kolisi.
There’s a problem for Ox Nche, it’s an injury and he hobbles off to make way for Steenekamp.
England 17-19 South Africa
18:11 , Jack Rathborn
30 mins
Arendse with a crunching tackle on Lawrence in a match defined by these violent collisions so far.
England responding well to that blitz from the Boks and well poised after a breathtaking 30 minutes.
Williams jinking and diving inside to leave England scrambling, but Freeman is there to cover and delivers some heat.
TRY! England 17-19 South Africa (Underhill)
18:07 , Jack Rathborn
26 mins
TRY ENGLAND! Underhill responds with a bruising carry, three Springboks collide with him, but he stumbles over the line and that’s a superb response.
Smith with the extra and England are within two points.
England 10-19 South Africa
18:04 , Jack Rathborn
24 mins
Four tries in 23 minutes, then, England left to scratch their heads a little, but the Boks have overwhelmed the hosts with their physicality here.
TRY! England 10-19 South Africa (Kolbe)
18:03 , Jack Rathborn
22 mins
TRY! South Africa poised just a few meters from the try line as England bend but don’t break, but that’s magic from Williams.
The vision to kick out wide to the spare man Kolbe, and the catch is solid, then the step inside of Steward and a dash inside to score closer to the posts.
Libbok with the extras form out wide and England, suddenly, right up against it and down by two scores.
TRY! England 10-12 South Africa (Du Toit)
17:58 , Jack Rathborn
16 mins
TRY! Oh no, England! Two blocks from the Boks and they punish England!
First Van Poortvliet is charged down by Etzebeth’s sprawling paws.
Then Smith scurries around the corner to pick up the pieces, but his kick meets the big hands of Du Toit, a kind bounce and he collects for the score, a nightmare for England.
England 10-7 South Africa (Smith)
17:56 , Jack Rathborn
15 mins
Smith knocks over England’s first penalty in a convenient reply for the hosts after that magic try from the Boks.
Immense composure and a small lead once more.
TRY! England 7-7 South Africa (Williams)
17:52 , Jack Rathborn
11 mins
TRY! Grant Williams with a piece of magic to match Smith earlier, the jinking run sends Steward sprawling and he goes over to strike back for the Boks.
Libbok has no problem with the extras there, we’re all level. A sensational try from the world champions.
TRY! England 7-0 South Africa
17:47 , Jack Rathborn
7 mins
A first rendition of swing low, sweet chariot rings around Twickenham…
And don’t the home fans love that. Sloppy from Libbok, who fumbles the ball forward and England are away again.
Steward unafraid to launch himself into the high ball, but knocks on there. South Africa now sustaining a spell of possession, Lawrence with a crunching tackle on Eztebeth.
TRY! England 7-0 South Africa
17:45 , Jack Rathborn
4 mins
TRY ENGLAND!
You have to say that is quite magnificent from Marcus Smith, the drop goal is on, but he turns it down, flips the field and scurries into space, popping the ball off for a three vs two.
Sleightholme out wide and finishes with aplomb. Smith with the extras and that’s the perfect start for England!
England 0-0 South Africa
17:43 , Jack Rathborn
2 mins
A solid first claim for Steward, he absorbed a mighty hit and a first scrum for England… It’s out and the home supporters roar them on as Smith dinks a kick over the time.
The Springboks absorb the pressure and then deliver Kolisi with a crunching tackle on Earl, you can feel that from up in the stands.
Those ribs will be a little sore tomorrow.
England vs South Africa
17:39 , Jack Rathborn
Two epic anthems belted out and it’s finally go time, can England salvage a tricky spot after back-to-back defeats this autumn?
England to kick off…
England vs South Africa
17:34 , Jack Rathborn
England vs South Africa
17:29 , Jack Rathborn
It’s time for the laser show at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, the atmosphere ignited as fireworks drift into the London sky.
England took the decision to huddle together a little longer than usual before returning to the dressing room. They then shuffled around the posts for a warm reception from this crowd and descended down the tunnel…
It’s almost time!
England vs South Africa match officials
17:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Hoping to keep Itoje, Etzebeth and the rest in check will be these chaps, with Ireland’s Andrew Brace leading the officiating team.
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant Referee 1: Chris Busby (Ireland)
Assistant Referee 2: Eoghan Cross (Ireland)
Television Match Official: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
Foul Play Review Officer: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
England vs South Africa
17:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And we also went inside the mind of the Springboks enforcer to find out all about the most capped South African of all time:
The two sides of Springboks enforcer Etzebeth: ‘On the pitch, my mindset switches’
England vs South Africa
17:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The second row battle between Maro Itoje and Eben Etzebeth could be titanic today. The Independent sat down with England’s lock polymath ahead of the Autumn Nations Series…
Maro Itoje on politics: ‘I’ll return to No 10 one way or another’
South Africa team news
17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South Africa make 12 changes from the win over Scotland, with most of Rassie Erasmus’s key figures brought back. Tighthead prop Wilco Louw makes a first start since 2021 in an otherwise familiar and fearsome Springboks pack, while Manie Libbok starts at fly half as Handre Pollard takes on a closing role on the bench. That replacement unit shows a traditional five forwards to three backs split.
South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Bongi Mbonami, 3 Wilco Louw; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 RG Snyman; 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Grant Williams, 10 Manie Libbok; 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Cheslin Kolbe; 15 Aphelele Fassi.
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Elrigh Louw, 20 Kwagga Smith; 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Lukhanyo Am.
England team news
16:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England have returned Freddie Steward to their starting side with the full-back recalled at George Furbank’s expense, while Leicester colleague Jack van Poortvliet makes his first start at international level since suffering a serious ankle injury last August. Sam Underhill is brought in with Tom Curry undergoing concussion return-to-play protocols, and Ollie Sleightholme steps in for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the wing.
England XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George (captain), 3 Will Stuart; 4 Maro Itoje, 5 George Martin; 6 Chandler Cunningham-South, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 10 Marcus Smith; 11 Ollie Sleightholme, 12 Henry Slade, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Freddie Steward.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Dan Cole, 19 Nick Isiekwe, 20 Alex Dombrandt; 21 Harry Randall, 22 George Ford, 23 Tom Roebuck.
England must learn lessons of past to confront mighty Springboks challenge
16:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It was 13 months ago in Paris that an unfancied England shook the Springboks, taking control for an hour at the Stade de France. Several senior figures within the squad insisting since that they successfully rattled the eventual World Cup winner – but having let that semi-final slip from their grasp, and after recent familiar failings, it’s time for Steve Borthwick’s side to learn their lesson.
England must learn lessons of past to confront mighty Springboks challenge
Cheslin Kolbe: ‘To win World Player of the Year would be special, but that’s not anywhere close to my mind’
16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Back in the Springboks side today is the mighty mouse Cheslin Kolbe, maybe the best wing in the world and South Africa’s unique utility man:
Cheslin Kolbe: ‘To win World Player of the Year would be special’
Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus reveal the secrets behind the Springboks’ evolution
16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Rugby is a game of grey areas. From foul play to scrum-time skirmish, one’s opinion on a particular incident can vary greatly depending on the lens through which it is viewed. Even top officials disagree with regularity on moments of contention, while plenty a perplexed look from a player has betrayed an alternate view at a coaching or refereeing call.
It is partly through their ability to thrive within these indeterminate spaces that has helped the Springboks become double World Cup winners. While their unique approach to the sport has so often driven debate, South Africa have generally managed to innovate or dominate in ways that no other side seems capable. From loading up with seven forwards on the bench to maximise their second-half scrum impact, to employing traffic lights in the coaches’ box to improve on-field decision-making, it is a side that searches for every possible edge.
But now even the Springboks are stepping out of the grey. “It’s something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time,” director of rugby Rassie Erasmus explains, having instigated a significant evolution of his team this year from a side that wins with brilliant basics to one capable of winning in all ways.
Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus reveal the secrets behind the Springboks’ evolution
Rassie Erasmus: ‘People say South Africa are bullies who don’t care what others think – but we do’
16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Springboks have been on a charm offensive this autumn, offering new insight into their methods and mindset. Here, Rassie Erasmus explains why his side want to be loved:
Rassie Erasmus: ‘People say we are bullies who don’t care what others think – we do’
Siya Kolisi: Clashes between South Africa and England ‘always personal’
15:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Siya Kolisi admits “it’s always personal” as South Africa prepare to face an England side intent on revenge at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
The Springboks are aiming to inflict a fifth successive defeat on England in a rematch of last year’s stormy World Cup semi-final, which they won through a late Handre Pollard penalty.
The bad blood from a mighty physical confrontation in Paris lingers, exacerbated by the race row that erupted when England’s Tom Curry claimed he had been called a “white ****” by Bongi Mbonambi, an allegation denied by the South Africa hooker.
Kolisi insists the Springboks’ motivation is the same every time they step on to the pitch, knowing that winning successive World Cups has made them the game’s most sought-after scalp.
“It’s always personal. That’s just how we prepare ourselves for games,” South Africa’s captain said.
“It’s got to be personal. It’s another man trying to run through you in-game, it doesn’t get more personal than that. So every game for us is personal.
“This one, in Twickenham, is a big game and we know what England have been going through. We’ve been in their position before.
“We know we’ve got a target on our back at all times. Every single team that plays against us…we’ve got to make it as personal as possible because we want to stay where we are.”
Freddie Steward reveals key to earning England recall for South Africa clash
15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Freddie Steward insists his game has evolved during his England exile but will remain true to his core strengths when South Africa visit Allianz Stadium.
Steward has been restored at full-back to reinforce England’s aerial game following the introduction of a new law directive intended to create more contestable kicks.
South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus on Thursday described his ability in the air as “devastating”, while Steve Borthwick views it as his “super strength”.
The 6-foot-5 Leicester Tiger started 2024 as first choice in the position but lost his place to George Furbank midway through the Six Nations and has appeared in only three of this year’s 10 Tests.
Freddie Steward reveals key to earning England recall for South Africa clash
England coach Richard Wigglesworth makes stunning admission about exiled colleague Felix Jones
15:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Senior assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth has admitted that he has had no contact with exiled colleague Felix Jones as England prepare to take on the Irishman’s former employers, South Africa.
Former defence coach Jones is serving a 12-month notice period after handing in his resignation in August. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and head coach Steve Borthwick explained after his departure that he would continue to provide “specific projects regarding analysis” remotely from Ireland during that time.
The former Munster full-back was part of the double World Cup-winning Springboks staff between 2019 and 2023, when he joined the England set-up.
But it would seem that while he remains under their employ and on their payroll, Jones has had limited contact with both coaches and the squad, with centre Henry Slade admitting that the players do not speak with the ex-defence coach.
And Wigglesworth, who was promoted to be Borthwick’s number two after Jones’s exit, could provide little insight on what his colleague is up to.
England coach Wigglesworth makes stunning admission about exiled colleague Jones
Top rugby stars ‘sign up for IPL and Formula 1 inspired breakaway competition’
15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
News broke yesterday of a potential breakaway rugby competition that could revolutionise the sport. The Independent understands that while discussions have taken place, they are at a “very, very early” stage.
Here’s the full story:
Top rugby stars ‘sign up for IPL and Formula 1 inspired breakaway competition’
England boss Steve Borthwick voices ‘Aussie rules’ fear over new law directive
14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
England head coach Steve Borthwick fears that rugby is in danger of resembling Australian rules football because of the rushed introduction of a law directive designed to create fairer aerial duels.
Borthwick has made four changes for Saturday’s match against South Africa with full-back Freddie Steward, wing Ollie Sleightholme, scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet and flanker Sam Underhill given starts.
The recall of high ball master Steward, successfully predicted by Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus hours before Borthwick named his team, is a nod to the impact on the game caused by World Rugby’s autumn crackdown on ‘escort runners’, who block the path of kick-chasers.
Instead of creating a more open and contestable game as expected, England believe the directive is an example of the law of unintended consequences. Borthwick insists it should have been introduced with greater care.
England boss Steve Borthwick voices ‘Aussie rules’ fear over new law directive
Rassie Erasmus knows England coach Steve Borthwick ‘is a bit under pressure’
14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Rassie Erasmus insists Steve Borthwick is a coach under pressure as South Africa look to inflict further misery on England at Allianz Stadium.
England are playing to avoid a fifth successive defeat when they host the all-conquering back-to-back world champions with Borthwick’s win rate for his 26 games in charge now 50 per cent.
The Rugby Football Union insists Borthwick has its “100 per cent full support” despite the last-gasp losses to New Zealand and Australia that have soured the autumn.
Rassie Erasmus knows England coach Steve Borthwick ‘is a bit under pressure’
Freddie Steward and Jack van Poortvliet start against Springboks
14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Freddie Steward and Jack van Poortvliet have been recalled to the starting England side to take on South Africa as Steve Borthwick makes four changes.
Steward takes the place of George Furbank at full-back, hinting at a shift in strategy, while Van Poortvliet is preferred to Ben Spencer at scrum half and in line to make his first international appearance since breaking his ankle last August.
Sam Underhill and Ollie Sleightholme, who makes a first international start, are brought in to replace Tom Curry and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who both miss out with concussion.
England vs South Africa team news: Freddie Steward and Jack van Poortvliet start
Siya Kolisi returns as Springboks recall big guns for England clash
14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South Africa have rung the changes for their clash with England as Rassie Erasmus recalls most of his key individuals to his starting side.
Siya Kolisi, RG Snyman and Pieter-Steph du Toit are among those promoted from the bench, while Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel and Cheslin Kolbe return after being rested at Murrayfield.
Wilco Louw is in line for a rare start at tighthead in the absence of Frans Malherbe, and Manie Libbok is backed ahead of Handre Pollard having been hooked half-an-hour into last year’s World Cup semi-final between these two sides.
Siya Kolisi returns as Springboks recall big guns for England clash
England vs South Africa LIVE
Friday 15 November 2024 13:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Hello and welcome along to The Independent’s LIVE coverage of the crunch clash between England and South Africa at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. The world champions come to town to find the hosts under severe pressure after four consecutive narrow defeats.
Steve Borthwick’s side require a win to salvage their autumn as they meet the might of the Springboks. Kick off is at 5.40pm GMT.
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