The pressure will increase on the shoulders of Steve Borthwick this weekend, as England return to Autumn Nations action at Twickenham against South Africa.
It has been a disappointing period for the Red Roses, with their latest defeat being suffered against Australia last Saturday.
However, despite the increased pressure, the RFU have backed the current head coach. Reigning world champions South Africa will be looking to pile on the English misery this weekend with another convincing win during the Autumn Internationals.
England vs. South Africa Information
Location: Twickenham Stadium, London, England
Date: Saturday, November 16th 2024
England vs. South Africa Odds
South Africa will be solid favourites with BetXchange this weekend, as they are priced up at 19/50. England are available at 33/20. In the three-way betting, a win for the hosts is 89/38, with the Springboks priced up at 2/5.
The draw is an unlikely outcome at 21/1. Handicap markets will be popular this weekend, with England (+2.5) available at 3/2, and South African (-2.5) at 53/100.
Head-to-Head Meetings
South Africa boasts the advantage over England based on meetings between the nations, with the Springboks securing 28 wins compared to the 16 victories registered by the Red Roses.
South Africa also has an eye-catching record in matches played in England, winning 12 of the 24 matches, with the Red Roses winning on eleven occasions. Despite this, England have outscored South Africa 416-402 in home matches.
The Springboks famously edged to a narrow 16-15 success in the World Cup semi-final meeting between the nations last year.
England Team Update
Borthwick has made four changes to his England team ahead of this blockbuster showdown against the Springboks on Saturday. Freddie Steward comes in at full-back, while Jack Van Poortvliet will start as a scrum half.
The recalled pair from Leicester replace Ben Spencer and George Furbank, with neither included in the 23 for Saturday. Sam Underhill is also given a chance to shine, with Tom Curry dropped out.
Ollie Sleightholme also comes in to make his England debut at the expense of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
South Africa Team Update
South Africa have enjoyed a fine run of results during the Autumn Internationals to this point, beating Argentina twice at the end of September, before cruising to a victory at Murrayfield against Scotland last Sunday by a 32-15 scoreline.
Rassie Erasmus has opted to bring back many of his big hitters for the showdown at Twickenham this weekend, with Damian de Allende, Siya Kolisi, and Cheslin Kolbe among the notable starters.
The biggest surprise in the starting team has come in the fly half position, with Handre Pollard overlooked in favour of Manie Libbok.
England vs. South Africa Prediction
England’s troubles have largely come when trying to take the game to their rivals in recent weeks, meaning that they could be slightly more dangerous in a defensive capacity this weekend. However, the Springboks remain challenging to bet against, especially after winning three of their last four against the Red Roses since 2018.
