England v South Africa: Freddie Steward and Jack van Poortvliet among four England changes

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England v South Africa: Freddie Steward and Jack van Poortvliet among four England changes

England v South Africa: Freddie Steward and Jack van Poortvliet among four England changes

Scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet and full-back Freddie Steward start for England against South Africa as head coach Steve Borthwick makes four changes to his starting XV.

The Leicester pair have yet to feature in the Autumn Nations Series but come straight into the line-up in place of Ben Spencer and George Furbank.

Ollie Sleightholme makes his first England start on the wing in place of the injured Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, while Sam Underhill comes in for Tom Curry, who is also missing with concussion.

England host the world champions looking for their first home win since the Six Nations in April.

Borthwick’s side have lost five of their past six matches, including narrow defeats by New Zealand and Australia this autumn.

England last tasted victory in June against Japan, who they face in their final Autumn Nations Series game on 24 November.

The hosts will be looking to avenge their 16-15 defeat by South Africa in their last meeting in the 2023 World Cup semi-final.

The Springboks arrive in London following victory over Scotland, having claimed their first Rugby Championship title since 2019 in September.

Head coach Rassie Erasmus has made 12 changes to the side who won at Murrayfield, with captain Siya Kolisi returning to the starting XV.

“We’re excited to challenge ourselves against the world’s top-ranked team and back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions,” said Borthwick.

“Test matches against South Africa are always thrilling contests, and I’m sure Saturday will be no exception.”

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