The England rugby team is gearing up for a thrilling contest against South Africa as they prepare for their upcoming match on 16 November 2024, as part of the Autumn Nations Series. The highly anticipated clash will take place at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, with kickoff set for 17:40 GMT. In preparation for this critical encounter, head coach Steve Borthwick has made several strategic changes to the starting line-up, implementing a total of four alterations aimed at bolstering the team’s performance against the formidable Springboks.
Among the key changes, scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet and full-back Freddie Steward have been called up to the starting XV. Notably, these two Leicester Tigers players will step in for Ben Spencer and George Furbank, who will not feature in this match. This is a significant moment for both van Poortvliet and Steward, as they look to make an immediate impact in a high-pressure atmosphere like Twickenham.
Moreover, Ollie Sleightholme has earned his first starting position for England following the injury of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. His debut on the wing adds a layer of excitement as Sleightholme aims to establish himself firmly in the squad. Sam Underhill will replace Tom Curry, who is sidelined due to concussion, demonstrating the challenges the team is facing as they adapt to player absences.
The England team enters this match seeking their first victory on home soil since the Six Nations concluded in April. Unfortunately, Borthwick’s squad has struggled in recent outings, winning only one of their last six matches. This includes two narrowly contested losses against rugby giants New Zealand and Australia during this autumn series. Their last victory dates back to June when they faced Japan, underscoring the urgency for England to regain form against South Africa. The stakes are particularly high as this match represents a chance for England to avenge their heart-wrenching 16-15 loss to the Springboks in the semi-finals of the recent 2023 Rugby World Cup.
On the opposite side, South Africa arrives in London brimming with confidence, fresh off a victory against Scotland and having recently claimed their first Rugby Championship title since 2019 in September. Head coach Rassie Erasmus has opted to make significant changes to the starting lineup, with 12 adjustments following their victory at Murrayfield. Among these changes is the reintroduction of captain Siya Kolisi, further enhancing the competitive nature of the upcoming clash.
Borthwick has expressed enthusiasm for the encounter, noting the thrill of competing against the world’s top-ranked team and back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions. He emphasized that matches against South Africa are always charged with intensity and excitement, indicating that this fixture will be no different. The anticipation from both fans and players is palpable as they prepare for what promises to be a fiercely contested game.
For fans wanting to follow the action, live commentary will be provided by BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, alongside live text updates available through the BBC Sport website and app. The atmosphere at Twickenham is expected to be electric as supporters rally behind their team.
As for the final squad, England will line up with Steward at full-back, supported by Freeman, Lawrence, Slade, and Sleightholme in the backs. The half-back pairing features Marcus Smith and van Poortvliet, while the forward pack includes experienced players like Genge and Itoje. The replacements offer depth and skill, showcasing the strategic planning from the coaching staff.
All in all, this upcoming match stands as a pivotal moment for England, one that not only has implications for their standings in the Autumn Nations Series but also their morale and confidence moving forward in international rugby. The showdown against South Africa could serve as a turning point in their season, should they secure a much-needed victory.
