England head coach Steve Borthwick has named his team to face the Springboks at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, making four changes to the starting side that was narrowly beaten by Australia last weekend.
Despite their recent defeats to New Zealand and Australia, England remains a formidable opponent, as acknowledged by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made almost wholesale changes in the side that will face England in the second match of the Autumn Nations Series at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
The Springboks are completely aware of the challenge presented by the short turnaround between their match on Sunday against Scotland and Saturday’s forthcoming Test against England in London, and are fully focused on ensuring that the players are fresh physically and mentally when the sides cross paths for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final.
Chances are huge that winger Makazole Mapimpi won’t be part of the Springboks squad that will face England in the second match of the Autumn Nations Series this coming weekend.
Kwagga Smith, who ran out for his 50th Test cap in the Springboks’ 32-15 victory against Scotland at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Sunday, and utility back Canan Moodie, who played his first Test at the iconic venue, reflected on the match on Monday, with both players describing the occasion as “special.”
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus experienced mixed emotions following the team’s 32-15 victory against Scotland in the opening Test of the Autumn Nations Series in Edinburgh on Sunday, saying that he would like the team to be more in sync as they continue to build their squad depth.
All Blacks, Autumn Nations Series, Rugby, Rugby Championship, Rugby World Cup, South Africa, Springboks
The Springboks started the Autumn Nations Series with a convincing 15-32 win over Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium on Sunday.
Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said they are preparing for a bruising 80-minute battle against Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday in the opening Test of the Autumn Nations Series, and agreed that it could be a proper grind.