England prepares for Nations Championship match against South Africa
Sky Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 5:14 AM
Last updated Jun 29, 2026

England faces South Africa in the Nations Championship opener on July 4 at Ellis Park, Johannesburg. Head coach Steve Borthwick is under considerable pressure after the team's disappointing Six Nations campaign, where they finished fifth with only one win. England aims to secure victories against South Africa and Fiji, playing at home on July 11. Meanwhile, Ireland, though depleted with injuries, seeks to make history at Eden Park against New Zealand later this summer.
- •England lost four matches in the Six Nations, finishing in last place.
- •Borthwick's team needs at least two wins from its three Tests.
- •Ireland plays Australia in Sydney and Japan in Newcastle before facing New Zealand.
- •New Zealand remains unbeaten at Eden Park for over three decades.
"We look at some of the major talking points ahead of the summer's inaugural Nations Championship Tests...
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