By The Telegraph (World News) | Created at 2024-10-29 18:11:43 | Updated at 2024-11-06 03:11:39
1 week ago
As a gauge of where England currently stand in world rugby’s pecking order, a match against the world champions is the ultimate test. South Africa, alongside Ireland, are the form international team and possess power and flair in abundance.
When is the match?
England play South Africa on Saturday, November 16 at Twickenham (Allianz Stadium).
What time does it start?
The match kicks off at 5.40pm GMT. Or 7.40pm if you are in South Africa.
What TV channel is it on?
In the UK and Ireland, every game will be shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
What is the latest team news?
England
Alex Mitchell has been left out of England’s squad for the autumn with a neck problem that places his involvement in the series in doubt.
Mitchell has not played this season because of an injury that has been treated with an injection and Northampton have been unable to provide a time-frame for his return.
England’s first choice scrum-half is now battling to play any part in the fixtures against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan, with his omission from Steve Borthwick’s 36-man squad painting a bleak picture for his involvement.
George Ford is also left out of the 36 as he battles a thigh issue but he will remain with the group that departs for a training camp in Girona on Monday to continue his rehabilitation.
Forwards: Fin Baxter, Dan Cole, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Theo Dan, Trevor Davison, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Joe Marler, Will Stuart; Ollie Chessum, Charlie Ewels, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, George Martin; Chandler Cunningham-South, Ben Curry, Tom Curry, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Sam Underhill
Backs: Harry Randall, Ben Spencer, Jack van Poortvliet; Fin Smith, Marcus Smith; Ollie Lawrence, Alex Lozowski, Luke Northmore, Henry Slade; Elliot Daly, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Tom Roebuck, Ollie Sleightholme, Freddie Steward
Rehabilitation: George Ford
Not considered for selection: Alex Coles, Joe Cokanasiga, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell, Will Muir, Max Ojomoh, Raffi Quirke, Bevan Rodd
South Africa
The Springboks have included four fit-again World Cup winners in their squad.
Utility back Damian Willemse, former Harlequins centre Andre Esterhuizen, plus locks Franco Mostert and RG Snyman have all recovered from injuries to gain places in a 34-strong squad.
There are, though, five absentees because of injury issues, with knee problems sidelining Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Salmaan Moerat, while Steven Kitshoff misses out because of neck trouble and Lood de Jager has a shoulder injury.
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has also called up Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw after utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels was ruled out by an ankle injury.
The squad, captained by Siya Kolisi, will have a training camp in Jersey as part of preparations to tackle Scotland on November 10, then England six days later and Wales on November 23.
Forwards: Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Ruan Nortje, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese
Backs: Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse
What are the latest odds?
TBC
What happened the last time these teams played?
The semi-final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup was the last time England and South Africa went toe-to-toe, with the Springboks agonisingly coming out on top by the barest of margins, 16-15. They would go on to beat the All Blacks, also by one point, in the final.
What is our prediction?
France may argue differently, but at the top of the rugby table two teams currently stand above the rest – Ireland and South Africa. The Boks are world class from 1 to 15 and even home advantage is unlikely to be enough for England to stop the Springbok juggernaut.
Predicted score: England 15 South Africa 21
