Steve Borthwick makes incredibly unpopular team selection for England vs South Africa

Thursday, 02 July 2026 at 14:00

bySteven Smith

England head coach Steve Borthwick has made the biggest selection call of his tenure by leaving teenage sensation Henry Pollock out of the starting XV for Saturday's Nations Championship opener against South Africa at Ellis Park.

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The decision is already proving hugely unpopular with supporters after Pollock's outstanding breakthrough season, with the Northampton Saints back-rower instead named among the replacements for the clash against the world champions.

Jamie George captains England on his return to the side, while Ollie Chessum and Ellis Genge will serve as vice-captains as England begin their inaugural Nations Championship campaign. Fixtures against Fiji and Argentina follow later this month.

Speaking ahead of the Test, Borthwick said: "Playing South Africa at Ellis Park is one of the great Tests in world rugby and an opportunity we're excited to embrace.

"We've prepared well since we arrived here last week and I sense a real excitement within the squad to get our Nations Championship campaign underway."

Pollock forced to settle for bench

Pollock had been tipped by many to start after a sensational rise over the past 12 months, but Borthwick has instead opted for the experienced trio of Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry and Ben Earl in the back row.

The 20-year-old is expected to make a significant impact from the bench, with Bath flanker Guy Pepper also included among the replacements.

England have also handed Seb Atkinson another opportunity in midfield, while Cadan Murley gets the nod on the wing ahead of highly-rated youngster Tobias Caluori.

England team to face South Africa

15. George Furbank
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
13. Tommy Freeman
12. Seb Atkinson
11. Cadan Murley
10. Fin Smith
9. Jack van Poortvliet

1. Ellis Genge (vice-captain)
2. Jamie George (captain)
3. Joe Heyes
4. Alex Coles
5. George Martin
6. Ollie Chessum (vice-captain)
7. Tom Curry
8. Ben Earl

Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Beno Obano, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Charlie Ewels, Guy Pepper, Henry Pollock, Alex Mitchell, Marcus Smith.

Following Saturday's showdown in Johannesburg, England return to the UK for an 'away' fixture against Fiji at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium before travelling to Argentina to face Los Pumas in Round Three of the Nations Championship.

All Nations Championship matches will be shown live on ITV Sport.

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EDITORS PICKS:

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One of the most complete forwards of the modern era, Savea blends explosive power with elite handling and pace rarely seen in a flanker.

A standout for the All Blacks, he has consistently delivered in high-pressure moments, evolving from an impact player into a world-leading figure and national captain. His ability to dominate collisions, win turnovers, and link play makes him a prototype for the modern back-rower.

4. Peter O'Mahony

O’Mahony is the embodiment of traditional openside grit, built on relentless physicality and an unshakeable competitive edge.

A key leader for Ireland and Munster, he has built his reputation on breakdown excellence, aerial ability at the lineout, and an uncanny knack for disrupting opposition rhythm. His influence often goes beyond statistics, setting the emotional tone for his side.

3. Courtney Lawes

A uniquely versatile forward, Lawes has excelled at both flanker and lock at the highest level. Famed for his bone-rattling tackles and defensive organisation, he has also developed a subtle all-court game, contributing as a carrier and lineout option.

A British & Irish Lion and England stalwart, his longevity and adaptability have been key to his elite status.

2. Siya Kolisi

Kolisi’s legacy is defined by both excellence and leadership. As captain of South Africa’s World Cup-winning sides, he has led with composure, physicality, and tactical intelligence.

On the field, he combines strong carrying, defensive work rate, and breakdown presence, while off it, he stands as one of rugby’s most influential figures globally.

1. Richie McCaw

Widely regarded as the greatest flanker in rugby history, McCaw set the benchmark for consistency, intelligence, and competitive edge.

The long-time All Blacks captain led his country to back-to-back World Cup triumphs and amassed over 140 Test caps. A master of the breakdown and a relentless competitor, his influence on games—and on the position itself—remains unmatched.

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