England’s ‘baptism of fire’ against South Africa: a necessary test following 2026 Six Nations campaign

England are set to kick off their inaugural Nations Championship against South Africa in Ellis Park in Johannesburg on July 4.

Steve Borthwick’s side come into this fixture off the back of four straight defeats, which they suffered in the 2026 Six Nations after winning their opening game of the competition against Wales.

Now, his side are set to begin their campaign against arguably the most difficult opponent in this competition, as the Springboks are currently ranked as the best team in the world and are the current holders of the Webb Ellis trophy, having won the last two World Cups.

England will be aiming to prove their doubters wrong when they travel to South Africa this July with a victory to demonstrate they are a force to be reckoned with ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Former England international Joe Marler believes it is the perfect fixture for Borthwick’s squad to truly test themselves and for a lot of the squad to grow in the white jersey.

Marler said: “It is definitely a baptism of fire for a lot of those boys.

Siya Kolisi of South Africa is tackled by Joe Marler of England during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between England and South Africa (Getty Images)

“It's at Ellis Park. What better way to try and prove to each other whether we've grown from the Six Nations experience than doing it against the best team in the world in their own backyard? It would definitely be a great measuring stick for them.”

England are currently without a win in their last three matches against the Springboks, with their last victory coming in November 2021 at Twickenham.

Rassie Eramus’ squad will be confident they can make it four wins in a row against the English due to the nation’s record when the games are played at home, having won 11 of their 16 Tests in South Africa while only losing four.

Despite the last time England secured a win in South Africa against the Springboks not being too long ago, with it coming in June 2018, they have not earned a victory at Ellis Park against this opponent since June 1972.

South Africa is the first of three summer fixtures in the Nations Championship for England, as they are set to play Fiji in Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium before traveling to Santiago del Estero to face Argentina.

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