England v South Africa team news LIVE: Freddie Steward starts as hosts make four changes for Twickenham clash
Steve Borthwick’s side host the world champions in a crucial Autumn Nations Series fixture this weekend
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England have made significant changes to their line-up as they attempt to salvage their Autumn Nations Series campaign against South Africa.
The Springboks arrive at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham to face a home side that has lost their last four games, with Steve Borthwick giving recalls to Freddie Steward and Jack van Poortvliet as a result. Borthwick includes the Leicester pair at the expense of George Furbank and Ben Spencer, while Tom Curry and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are ruled out after suffering head injuries.
The visitors, meanwhile, have revealed their team this morning with Rassie Erasmus bringing back some of the key figures rested or used from the bench in the win over Scotland. Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende and Siya Kolisi are among those brought back in as the double World Cup winners again display their enviable depth. But the ever innovative Erasmus has sprung a slight surprise at fly half, where Manie Libbok is preferred to Handre Pollard.
Follow all of the latest from both camps in our live blog below:
England coach Richard Wigglesworth makes stunning admission about exiled colleague Felix Jones
England do technically still have former Springboks assistant Felix Jones under their employ, with the Irishman working remotely as he serves a 12-month notice period after handing in his resignation. Comments from colleague Richard Wigglesworth this week suggested, though, that England are not necessarily tapping too much into his inside knowledge of the double World Cup winners...
England coach Wigglesworth makes stunning admission about exiled colleague Jones
Former defence coach Jones is working remotely while serving a 12-month notice period after handing in his resignation
England will not move away from their DNA to match South Africa – Henry Slade
Henry Slade insists England will resist the temptation to strip back their gameplan in a quest to rescue their autumn by toppling South Africa at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
England’s attack has evolved significantly since a watershed defeat by Scotland in February but they now find themselves in the midst of a four-Test losing run that is expected to be extended by the back-to-back world champions.
It took a long-range penalty from Handre Pollard to sink Steve Borthwick’s men at the death when the rivals last met in a ferocious 2023 World Cup semi-final that has turned this weekend’s meeting into a grudge match.
England will not move away from their DNA to match South Africa – Henry Slade
Slade insists England must continue to broaden their horizons – even against the Springboks.
England suffer double injury blow before South Africa with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso ruled out
Two players definitely out for England are Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tom Curry. The pair suffered head injuries in the defeat to Australia and are progressing through return to play protocols - Ollie Sleightholme appears to be the favourite to come in on the wing, while Curry could be replaced by twin brother Ben or fellow “Kamikaze Kid” Sam Underhill.
England suffer double injury blow before South Africa test
Tom Curry is also unavailable as Steve Borthwick’s side bid to avoid three successive Autumn Nations losses
England set to make changes to combat ‘unintended consequences’ of law tweak
England are understood to be considering a recall for Freddie Steward as they look to combat the impact of the crackdown on “escort runners”, which has shaped much of the action over the last two weeks. We explain everything you need to know about the law tweak and why Steward might be the answer:
England mull changes for Springboks to combat ‘unintended consequences’ of law tweak
The crackdown on ‘escorting’ from retreating players underneath kicks has had a major impact on the Autumn Nations Series
England vs Springboks team news LIVE
A very good morning and welcome to The Independent’s LIVE coverage of all of the latest team news and views from inside the England and South Africa camps as the two sides get set for battle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday.
Both England boss Steve Borthwick and Springboks schemer Rassie Erasmus are set to name their line-ups today, with the two head coaches considering changes.
We’ll have all the news as it happens throughout the day.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments