Kolbe and Willemse reach 50 caps Springboks host England

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has named an experienced, full-strength lineup for the opening Test of the inaugural Nations Championship, with World Cup winners Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse set to earn their 50th caps. The Springboks will host England at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, July 4, marking the first meeting between the sides in South Africa since 2018.

Erasmus has opted for a familiar and powerful combination, selecting a starting XV packed with veterans. Captain Siya Kolisi will lead the side for the 72nd time, returning to the venue where he first captained his country against England eight years ago. He is joined in the pack by fellow centurion Eben Etzebeth, with Jasper Wiese and Pieter-Steph du Toit completing the loose forward trio. Ruan Nortje partners Etzebeth in the second row, while a formidable front row consists of Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Thomas du Toit.

In the backline, the milestone duo of Kolbe and Willemse will be joined by Kurt-Lee Arendse in a potent back three. The established midfield partnership of Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende resumes, with Manie Libbok getting the nod at fly-half over Handré Pollard. Grant Williams...