South Africa vs England: Historic win could revive Steve Borthwick’s England reign

For a coach who values ​​consistency and cohesion, Borthwick took a sledgehammer to his side after Scotland and Ireland’s Six Nations defeats, tearing up his entire backline for the games against Italy and France.

And while the long-term selection picture still lacks consistency – just six players in Saturday’s XV started in the last meeting with South Africa in November 2024, compared to the Springboks’ 11 – the midfield trio of Finn Smith, Seb Atkinson and Tommy Freeman are together for a third successive Test.

Ollie Chasom was excellent on the blindside flank against France and he wears that jersey again this weekend. In all, 15 of the 23 involved in Paris would end up at Ellis Park.

On top of that, George Martin and George Farbank – two outstanding players who have missed the last 18 months due to injury – are both back, offering size and skill respectively. Firecracker winger Emmanuel Faye-Waboso is also back, a player sorely missed earlier this year.

Regular captain Maro Itoje has been rested, but Coles is improving all the time and playing the best rugby of his career.

The front row is very experienced, and while there is a touch of youth on the bench, captain Jamie George said Benno Obano, Asher Opoku-Fordjor and man-of-the-moment Henry Pollock are “jumping” for opportunities.