England names seasoned XV, benches Pollock for South Africa

England head coach Steve Borthwick has named an experienced starting lineup for the team's Nations Championship Test against South Africa at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, July 4, opting to keep rising star Henry Pollock among the replacements. The selection prioritizes seasoned forwards in a clear bid to match the physical challenge posed by the world champion Springboks.

Pollock, the Northampton Saints flanker who was named Player of the Match in last month's Premiership final, will provide impact from the bench. Borthwick has instead selected a loose forward trio of Ben Earl, Tom Curry, and Ollie Chessum, who is also a vice-captain. The coach said he believes the energy Pollock and other substitutes bring could be crucial later in the contest. He highlighted the dynamism of a replacements group that also includes Guy Pepper, Alex Mitchell, and Marcus Smith.

The matchday squad sees the return of several key players from injury. Fullback George Furbank is set for his first Test start since November 2024, while winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and lock George Martin also return to the starting XV. Fin Smith gets the nod at fly-half, with Jack van Poortvliet at scrum-half,...