England Brace for Springbok Clash: Borthwick Wields Changes for Crunch Test
England head coach Steve Borthwick has made significant changes to his team’s lineup as they prepare to face the back-to-back world champion South Africa Springboks. After consecutive defeats against New Zealand and Australia, the national side is under pressure to deliver a much-needed victory.
Borthwick has wielded the axe, dropping scrum-half and Bath captain Ben Spencer from the matchday squad entirely. Spencer has started both November games so far but is replaced by Jack van Poortvliet at No 9. Full-back George Furbank also misses out, with Freddie Steward of Leicester coming in to help minimize South Africa’s physical threat and kicking game.
The other two changes see wing Ollie Sleightholme and flanker Sam Underhill replace the injured duo of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tom Curry. Sleightholme scored two tries as a replacement against Australia, and his promotion to the starting XV sees Tommy Freeman switch from the left to the right wing.
“We’re excited to challenge ourselves against the world’s top-ranked team and back-to-back World Cup champions,” said Borthwick, who has faced significant criticism as his team has lost their last four games. “Test matches against South Africa are always thrilling contests and I’m sure Saturday will be no exception.”
The Springboks, meanwhile, have made 12 changes from the team that hammered Scotland, with Rassie Erasmus rotating his squad ahead of the quick turnaround between the two matches. Siya Kolisi will lead the visitors, who are eager to repeat their 2023 World Cup semi-final victory over England.
England’s starting lineup:
- Ellis Genge
- Jamie George
- Will Stuart
- Maro Itoje
- George Martin
- Chandler Cunningham-South
- Sam Underhill
- Ben Earl
- Jack van Poortvliet
- Marcus Smith
- Ollie Sleightholme
- Henry Slade
- Ollie Lawrence
- Tommy Freeman
- Freddie Steward
Replacements:
- Luke Cowan-Dickie
- Fin Baxter
- Dan Cole
- Nick Isiekwe
- Alex Dombrandt
- Harry Randall
- George Ford
- Tom Roebuck
South Africa’s starting lineup:
- Ox Nche
- Bongi Mbonambi
- Wilco Louw
- Eben Etzebeth
- RG Snyman
- Siya Kolisi
- Pieter-Steph du Toit
- Jasper Wiese
- Grant Williams
- Manie Libbok
- Kurt-Lee Arendse
- Damian de Allende
- Jesse Kriel
- Cheslin Kolbe
- Aphelele Fassi
Replacements:
- Malcolm Marx
- Gerhard Steenekamp
- Vincent Koch
- Elrigh Louw
- Kwagga Smith
- Cobus Reinach
- Handre Pollard
- Lukhanyo Am
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