England's head coach Steve Borthwick has made an early team announcement for the match against Japan, with Marcus Smith starting at fly-half. Chandler Cunningham-South and Tom Curry are notable inclusions. Jamie George will captain the team, with four vice-captains named. South Africa also announced their strong team to face Wales, with Vincent Koch earning his 50th cap and Pieter-Steph du Toit as captain. The Springboks have four debutants, including Jordan Hendrikse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
🗣️ "I saw with my own eyes he's definitely got that sort of respect and fear factor." 🏴 @FreddieBurns on Eddie Jones' 'aura in Japan and England's 'unbelievable opportunity’ against the All Blacks. #JPNvENG ✍️ @alexspinksport https://t.co/T4mQsUDOgd
🗣️ “We announced the team with Frans as the starting tighthead and five minutes later..." Full story. 👇 #RSAvWAL #rugby https://t.co/8IOOWj1zoq
🗣️ "They are a lot like us South Africans. They are hard-working and humble people, so we expect them to give everything for the full 80 minutes." 🇿🇦 Evan Roos expects a tough challenge against Wales at Twickenham. https://t.co/8mw5Z5zwEQ
🔙 Stuart Hogg's return confirmed while Mako Vunipola edges closer to French move. Full story. 👇 #rugby https://t.co/W8cHVWQLZI
🇿🇦 Rassie Erasmus begins the pursuit of an unprecedented three-peat of Rugby World Cup titles this weekend against Wales. 👇 Full story below. https://t.co/SdcpwoEtf3
Owen Farrell could have been in Tokyo - Eddie Jones 👀 The latest episode of RPTV's Walk the Talk is a fascinating watch ... https://t.co/lfuh0brnDI
Wales flanker Taine Plumtree plans to adopt a “nothing to lose” approach when he makes his Test match return against the Springboks at Twickenham on Saturday. https://t.co/ROdGiZb8zS
✍️ Stuart Hogg returns. 🗣️ Mako Vunipola in advanced talks. 👀 Lancaster to join dad in France? 🫡 Bernard Le Roux retires. ✈️ Check out the latest transfer news. 👇 https://t.co/GFtNSF2mWY
We won't see Farrell in Japan with England this weekend, but according to Eddie he could've ended up playing his club rugby there 👀 Watch the full episode of Eddie Jones 'Walk the Talk' out now on Rugbypass TV for free 📺 #rugby #WalktheTalkEJ #EnglandRugby #RugbypassTV https://t.co/sot0kyZzcl
Taine Plumtree convinced Wales have ‘nothing to lose’ in Springboks showdown https://t.co/mPzqm1BZ6B https://t.co/YYUkeU7L0m
Wales flanker Taine Plumtree will adopt a “nothing to lose” approach as he prepares for his Test match return on Saturday - by @balders2 https://t.co/MAR9IjHCjz
Eddie Jones spoke about the hurt of losing the 2019 World Cup final and so much more with Jim Hamilton Watch the whole episode for FREE on Rugbypass TV now 📺 #rugby #WalktheTalkEJ #RugbypassTV https://t.co/SLdfdTXh4N
We preview a truly bumper weekend of men's action on RugbyPass TV. 🇯🇵 #JPNvENG 🇿🇦 #RSAvWAL 🥇 #Paris2024 repechage https://t.co/uQAp94YYZu
Jordan Hendrikse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will benefit from playing behind a World Cup-winning Springbok pack when the debutants share the playmaking responsibilities against Wales at Twickenham, writes DYLAN JACK. https://t.co/wYOU5YfRnk
PROPer love. ❤️ Springboks: Rassie Erasmus reveals why classy Frans Malherbe refused to start against Wales https://t.co/HncFuYg3M2
Evan Roos expects a physical battle against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday to kick off the 2024 international season, saying the Welsh have a similar approach to the Springboks. https://t.co/DdRkwqRM1s
The Ruck podcast 🏴 A big year for Marcus Smith 🔥 Cunningham-South's potential impact 🤔 Why did Borthwick go early? @willgkelleher and @AlexMLowe, who are both out with England in Japan, discuss all this and more ⬇️ https://t.co/AI3DLfgycc https://t.co/1RAEp4qpiV
🏉Hogg to come out of retirement! https://t.co/YLvjkfFPJj
Wales coach Warren Gatland said Tuesday that his weakened team must overcome the "fear factor" when they face world champions South Africa at Twickenham this weekend. https://t.co/8qZHmxIHzp
Etzebeth alone has more caps than the entire Wales pack this weekend 🤯 Stats via @rpetty80 #rugby #Springboks #WelshRugby https://t.co/VEAMEkInSj
Stuart Hogg has joined Top 14 side Montpellier on a two-year contract, with the option for a third. The former Exeter Chief retired from rugby last summer. #GBR4 https://t.co/12F0xIuk4a
The Springboks' four debutants will find out the hard way that there's no such thing as a friendly against Wales. | @simxabanisa https://t.co/8j6k0jjvTP
Stuart Hogg’s return to rugby was made official by Montpellier CEO Mohed Altrad. The former Scotland captain who made a shock retirement before the World Cup last year has signed a 2 year contract with the option of a third. https://t.co/J6xqD2TclI
Stuart Hogg signs for Montpellier, according to club chairman Mohed Altrad
Stuart Hogg is back. Unfortunately, Hogg has been blighted by personal problems since sensationally walking away from the sport. However, after dropping hints of a return, it is now confirmed that Hogg will be playing in the Top14. #Rugby #ScotlandRugby #Top14 https://t.co/K6VXOqnM0C
Pod Drop! 🏴☠️🏉 Apple 💜🎧 https://t.co/luqj6SqzNy Spotify 💚🎧 https://t.co/RJeA6kga5r YouTube ❤️📹 https://t.co/vLQErV8E5m The lads are joined by the amazing crew from @RugbyBits podcast to review this weekends URC, Top14 & Super Rugby action and lookahead to the Boks Season https://t.co/fSepZsZlzW
🏉Eddie Jones had quite a bit to say 👇 https://t.co/jXnvTgTjuI
Having made his long-awaited debut for the @Vodacom Bulls following a mid-season move from Cape Town, Cornel Smit is ready to stamp his mark on the #URC final on Saturday. https://t.co/La6Bt8ua83
As promised, another Ruck from the ground in Tokyo with @AlexMLowe with much to discuss as Steve Borthwick goes early with his team. 🌹 A massive year for Marcus Smith 🌹 Slade 2nd chance 🌹 The York turnaround 🇯🇵 Wary of the Eddie tricks? @TimesSport https://t.co/OHkbzLM3Zx
Today's rugby news as Gatland reveals new plan and stunning Stuart Hogg announcement made https://t.co/PKUKmJw0w9
ICYMI yesterday — I subjected myself to an @EnglandRugby fitness session led by Aled Walters; and it was absolutely awful… @TimesSport Video here 🎥 https://t.co/cHCnNnPoaq https://t.co/I9c83dHIZQ
Rassie Erasmus has revealed that a selfless gesture from Frans Malherbe saw Springbok teammate Vincent Koch switched into the starting lineup for his 50 Test on Saturday. https://t.co/W0ZNLYhhsa
Edwill van der Merwe is delighted to follow in Herschel Jantjies’ footsteps as the Kylemore-raised speedster prepares for his Springbok debut. https://t.co/UVEb0yfTq3
TRANSFER: Stuart Hogg's short-lived retirement is over! The Scotland legend's move to the Top 14 is confirmed, click below for more ... ⤵️ https://t.co/PRcfN6MphQ
Rassie Erasmus wants to give new players a shot at earning a regular place in the Bok squad, while maintaining the experience of his world champions. https://t.co/j4Nrr8xY5k
News24 | Boks v Wales: Rassie walking tightrope between keeping foundation, trying new things and winning https://t.co/XvlriyznNN
SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: Here's what I really think of Eddie Jones... and why moving Marcus Smith mid-match against Japan would be madness! https://t.co/YVBCxtXKDS https://t.co/dDQYYXiAqj
📰 Two new look sides #Springboks #Wales https://t.co/Fa7zrpL8iB
What’s Steve Borthwick up to, naming his England team two days early? https://t.co/qMj0C87xKd
‘He took my legs, then my dignity – my session with the England fitness coach’ This is a great read from @willgkelleher - with the added bonus of watching him suffer on video! https://t.co/togdHrzG1J
💬 "He certainly deserves the chance to make the jersey his own." #JPNvENG ↕️ England team winners and losers as Steve Borthwick backs Marcus Smith. ✍️ @jaredwright17 https://t.co/puNWXfV9Vu
Eddie Jones had his say on the top 3 players in the world right now 🤔 Catch the reasons why & so much more insight on his Walk the Talk episode, live now on Rugbypass TV 📺 Sign up here: https://t.co/A7Qab5nREs #rugby #WalkTheTalkEJ #RugbypassTV https://t.co/WLflIRZK0H
The interview the rugby world has waited for... Eddie Jones Walk the Talk out now on Rugbypass TV 🔥 #rugby #WalkTheTalkEJ #RugbyPassTV https://t.co/orqZuoOfea
Warren Gatland Q&A: My big decision after the game and the star left 'gutted' this week https://t.co/GR6fBVxEGb
Winners and losers from the Ireland squad to face the Springboks. JGP is a HUGE blow. Just two looseheads and one of them is not Jeremey Loughmand - mad! #RSAvIRE https://t.co/jfZPrHusXY
Side note - wasn’t ready for the double chins being on the @TimesSport website for eternity… #badside #stayhumble 🥳 He took my legs, then my dignity – my session with England fitness coach https://t.co/E1LmpwvM0g https://t.co/wVy4V7pMPd
You’ve read the piece, now watch my soul get emptied by Aled Walters for 7 minutes @TimesSport on camera… 🎥 lovely shots all down to @k_sobocinska; can only apologise for the view she had… Watch on our YouTube now 👇🏼 #Englandrugby #fitness #rugby https://t.co/cHCnNnPVZY
“The players have mentioned they really want to see you hurt.” Brilliant. No need to be grinning, Aled. Come with me @TimesSport and live my pain. Aled Walters @EnglandRugby is a lovely man but he took my legs, then my dignity… and I asked to film it 🙈 https://t.co/KMkfD7MrML
Edwill van der Merwe will make his Springbok debut this weekend. 🏃♂️💨 https://t.co/NS32lJyaGV https://t.co/IvYP0AJEBT
Updated this now to expand a bit on the narrative. Steve Borthwick isn’t a showman, but it was bold to go early. Rewatched Eddie Jones’ presser from before the 2019 semi for it. A total Mona Lisa. Even broke the fourth wall. https://t.co/41LHtYoeUt
Warren Gatland said Tuesday that Wales must overcome the “fear factor” when they face the world champion Springboks at Twickenham. https://t.co/NfrqqQPaMk
🎥 My session with England's fitness coach Watch as @willgkelleher loses his legs, and then his dignity, during "three circles of hell" with Aled Walters ⬇️ https://t.co/XKath3kDpA https://t.co/LSxpPDxWTp
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says Pieter-Steph du Toit deserved to be handed the captaincy for Saturday's Test against Wales at Twickenham, with the Bok mentor also believing the occasion will be "personal" for the player. | @Herman_Mostert https://t.co/KCe0wHvFGJ
Steve Borthwick planned to unleash Marcus Smith at No 10 on this tour - no matter what #TelegraphRugby
Leaders 🫡 Maro Itoje, Joe Marler, Henry Slade and Ben Earl have all been selected to support skipper Jamie George as vice-captains against Japan on Saturday 🙌 #JPNvENG | #SummerSeries https://t.co/UcSfJ1zoDR
🗣️ “We have our backs to the wall a little bit this week, but we’re really excited about the challenge." Warren Gatland will be without a number of players against South Africa ⬇️ https://t.co/6G4eKMvKOH
Wales head coach Warren Gatland says they have their "backs to the wall" as he named his 23-man matchday squad for the blockbuster Springbok clash at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday. https://t.co/sYEt8s4zNf
Springboks🟢 ✔Pieter-Steph du Toit captains the team ✔4 debutants: Jordan Hendrikse, Edwill van der Merwe starting and Ben-Jason Dixon and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu on the bench. Wales🔴 ✔Dewi Lake will lead the team ✔Ellis Bevan to win his first cap #RSAvWAL
Warren Gatland on recalled second row Matthew Screech: “He looks physically in good shape and he’s done a good job in the set-piece. If I was him, I’d go out there and look to put a statement. 31 is not old for a tight forward. I look at that as a good age."
My winners and losers from Rassie Erasmus' first Springboks squad of the year. ↕️ 10 winners 6 losers #RSAvWAL 🇿🇦🏴 #rugby https://t.co/cCAdjmZNs4
Warren Gatland on new Wales scrum-half Ellis Bevan: “We see a huge amount of growth in him and we wanted to find out about someone else in that position to give us some more depth. He’s impressed us at training.
Lots to talk about with that Wales team selection, but I’m particularly pleased to see James Ratti in line for a first cap. Missed out the last time he was in the squad and deserves another shot for his tireless graft with the Ospreys this season.
Dewi Lake to captain Wales for Twickenham game against South Africa https://t.co/JO4OvNIsrO
"Steve Borthwick’s unprecedented move to name his team two days early indicates his desire for England, rather than Eddie Jones, to dominate the narrative at the start of a big summer." | ✍️ @AlexMLowe Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/x3BJNqpdXc
Wales and South Africa to play to rugby's new laws for first time https://t.co/bWiN21ehnq
Meet the new boys in the Springbok team⬇ #Springboks
Screech - at lock for Wales on Saturday and a reaction to that Springbok pack.
South Africa are set to play against Wales at Twickenham, marking their first match since defeating the All Blacks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. Here’s how the teams line up. #Rugby #RSAvWAL https://t.co/tR5rX5hjGJ
Gatland on the inclusion of Ellis Bevan: “We see a huge amount of growth in him and we wanted to find out about someone else in that position to give us some more depth.” https://t.co/Pnza0eL70X https://t.co/sHSMMHgnWV
Warren Gatland is now facing the press - follow it live here https://t.co/Pnza0eL70X
LIVE: Warren Gatland is holding a press conference after announcing the team to play South Africa. Follow it here https://t.co/Pnza0eL70X
Some MORE Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu Love ahead of his Springbok Debut https://t.co/3w6dXabGti
Some Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu Love ahead of his Springbok Debut https://t.co/8PIENf5Hkl
Some Ben-Jason Dixon Love ahead of his Springbok Debut https://t.co/dNckHEgjHy
Vincent Koch earns 50th cap as Rassie Erasmus names South Africa team to play Wales https://t.co/Xb09Czt7gx
Some Edwin vd Merwe Love ahead of his Springbok Debut https://t.co/WLlVfIVYQi
Some @JordanHendrikse Love ahead of his Springbok Debut https://t.co/kZnGh8WNM7
Incredible stat from @rpetty80 ⤵️ 🇿🇦 Eben Etzebeth - 119 Test Caps 🏴 Wales’ Starting Pack - 118 Test Caps #SAvWAL
Eben Etzebeth - 119 caps Wales starting pack - 118 caps
Four uncapped players in the Wales match-day 23, with Ellis Bevan starting, while James Ratti, Eddie James and Jacob Beetham are on the bench. Pack starters Henry Thomas, Taine Plumtree and Matthew Screech with 4, 2 and 1 caps respectively.
Wales opting to use Mason Grady at inside centre, where he figured as a try-scoring sub against Italy in the final Six Nations game. Surprised the in-form and versatile Ben Thomas is not included in the match-day 23. Jacob Beetham covering fly-half maybe?
🗣️ "We are looking forward to seeing how the uncapped players step up." 🇿🇦 Jordan Hendrikse one of four new faces in Springboks 23. #WALvRSA https://t.co/0tXJGWnoYx
Your first Welsh side of the summer. Only change is that Screech and Carter's numbers will be swapped. Ellis Bevan due to start for his debut. 3 debuts off the bench. Strong side. https://t.co/jY6AsCgRnE
Updated #England news piece Steve Borthwick glowing on Marcus Smith, Chandler Cunningham South & Tom Curry Quotes within! 👇🏼 @TimesSport https://t.co/1jy8pNr6mx
Wales team to face South Africa https://t.co/IybEGFp4SX
Wales will face a daunting Springbok side on Saturday. Four debutants but several World Cup-winners in there. Massive challenge. https://t.co/UpVOcpmGU8
Our @Springboks opposition https://t.co/2uoEz0TK1i
Fun fact: Ellis Bevan is just Wales' 4th new cap at scrum-half in the last 10 years and first since Kieran Hardy in 2020. https://t.co/Dnc6sOt6CZ
Cardiff scrum-half Ellis Bevan selected to make his Wales debut at No 9 up against Faf de Klerk. His team-mate James Botham straight into the side at No 7 the day after being called into the squad. Liam Williams returns. https://t.co/rwxoXi5o5j
Springboks: Shock call at fly-half while Malcolm Marx makes long-awaited return against Wales https://t.co/XlY5TnrWoT
BREAKING: Gatland names Wales team to face South Africa amid big calls and a major injury blow https://t.co/Pnza0eL70X https://t.co/lsufeeN12B
RWC2023 Final Springboks 23 v Bok team v Wales: Starting caps: 987-637 Backline: 348-183 Forwards: 639-454 Bomb Squad: 301-227 #RSAvWAL
Wales' team to face the world champions will be announced shortly - follow live updates here https://t.co/Pnza0eL70X
4 new caps in Springbok team to face Wales at Twickenham on Saturday https://t.co/qXqda1prhJ
South Africa announce very strong team to play Wales on Saturday https://t.co/cXag7cekLt
Will they be able to defeat England this weekend to edge closer to the top 4? Watch Japan take on England, exclusively in the UK and Ireland, live on Rugbypass TV 📺 #rugby #JPNvENG #RugbyPassTV https://t.co/TQprO10lwG
YOUR BOK TEAM TO FACE WALES https://t.co/3jV5NIPdjO
Your first Springbok team for the 2024 Season! 🔗 https://t.co/tXA9ZYdB6N https://t.co/KxkOxVe63J
Test rugby is back! 🇿🇦🏴 #RSAvWAL https://t.co/uabib1cLaH
Speed date! Henry Slade talks Japan ahead of England's Test vs the Brave Blossoms in Tokyo on Saturday. Don't forget you can watch it live and exclusive on RPTV! Click below for more ⤵️ https://t.co/w1IiIyULf7
News from the #statcave Marcus Smith starts at 10 for 🏴 under Steve Borthwick L 29-23 v Scotland (H) 2023 6N. 3 tries. L 53-10 v France (H) 2023 6N. 1 try. L 20-9 v Wales (A) RWC warm up. 0 tries. Nice time to change that run in Tokyo on Saturday. Attack in a much better spot
🇯🇵 Steve Borthwick has named his team early as England reunite with Eddie Jones https://t.co/U1FpbK7Lm8
Warren Gatland names his Wales team to face South Africa this lunchtime. Follow it all here https://t.co/Pnza0eL70X
Marcus Smith wins race to start as England's No. 10 against Japan https://t.co/hZ0fRRV7GV https://t.co/VHgD68x8zK
Ben Earl named vice-captain as England go full strength for Japan trip ✍️ @NickPurewal https://t.co/fD4VHgDrqc
Head coach Warren Gatland has strengthened the Wales ranks with a versatile loose forward for Saturday's Test against the world champion Springboks at Twickenham. https://t.co/re0Ebg5zeO
Winners and losers from the England squad to face Japan. #JPNvENG @PlanetRugby https://t.co/akOrhZxIkR
Last time England were out in Japan 🌹 England take on Japan on June 22nd at 6:50am BST 🤩 #RWC2019 | #JPNvENG https://t.co/Oh14BxrXbH
46% of South Africa debuts 2018-2023 were in 2 Tests vs Wales: Washington, June 2018 (13) Bloemfontein, July 2022 (6)
🏴 Steve Borthwick has named his first match day 23 of the summer. 🤔 What do you make of the lineup? https://t.co/jjrCMQy7Ed
Marcus Smith has won his individual duel with Fin Smith for the right to direct England in Saturday’s clash with Japan in Tokyo https://t.co/c1u6KIVNLN:
It is a fine Springbok portent that all of the Bulls’ dominant starting pack against Leinster are inside 30, writes @RobHouwing https://t.co/XwxOfJho8m
Marcus Smith at No 10 for 🏴 against 🇯🇵 on Saturday as Steve Borthwick names strong team for clash with Eddie Jones’ side two days early. @FoyChris reports from Tokyo. https://t.co/9qRCWaHbws
Smith at fly-half as Cunningham-South makes first start https://t.co/T0GywQ19Bz
Steve Borthwick has named his England side to face Japan in the opening match of the Summer Series! 🌹 A first start for Chandler Cunningham-South, with Sale Sharks winger Tom Roebuck set to make his England debut from the bench. #JPNvENG #EnglandRugby https://t.co/3nTAA8qcEd
England team to face Japan https://t.co/nkrTUmBfTj
Steve Borthwick’s England team announcement straight out of Rassie Erasmus playbook ✍️ @CharlieFelix #TelegraphRugby
Early team announcement flex for Eddie week, is it? 😏 Piece on that England team. How it was named just as important as who was named. https://t.co/41LHtYoeUt
🏴 ENGLAND TEAM vs JAPAN 🏴 1. Bevan Rodd 2. Jamie George 3. Dan Cole 4. Maro Itoje 5. George Martin 6. Chandler Cunningham-South 7. Sam Underhill 8. Ben Earl 9. Alex Mitchell 10. Marcus Smith 11. Tommy Freeman 12. Ollie Lawrence 13. Henry Slade 14. Immanuel…
BREAKING: Chandler Cunningham-South named in England starting XV. Steve Borthwick hands the Harlequins player the 6️⃣ jersey for the Test v Japan in Tokyo, which is live and exclusive on RPTV this Saturday, kick-off 06:50 BST. https://t.co/uLixU7kZI6
✅ The Harlequins general gets the nod for England's first game of the summer series. 🏴 Check out the full Red Rose 23 for their first official Test against the Brave Blossoms in Japan. https://t.co/qXEq5iVrd8
Jamie George will captain England for the first ever official Test match between the two nations to be played in Japan. Borthwick names four vice-capts - Maro Itoje, Ben Earl, Henry Slade and Joe Marler. Tom Roebuck to earn a first cap off the bench. @RugbyPassTV Sat 0650 ko https://t.co/GHll92olZR
England back Marcus Smith at fly-half as starting XV named for Test against Japan https://t.co/WT60VeKmcD
Marcus Smith starts ahead of Fin Smith, as Steve Borthwick springs early surprise on Eddie Jones. News from Tokyo, where Borthwick makes 4 changes - all enforced - from the France game. Rodd for Genge CCS for Chessum MS for Ford IFW for Daly @TimesSport https://t.co/zzdFjAHD6x
England team v Japan: Furbank; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman; M Smith, Mitchell; Rodd, George (capt), Cole; Itoje, Martin; Cunningham-South, Earl, Underhill. Replacements: Dan, Marler, Stuart, Ewels, T Curry, Randall, F Smith, Roebuck.
England pull selection surprise by naming their team early to play Japan. Marcus Smith at fly half. Chandler Cunningham-South at No6. Tom Curry on the bench. Furbank; IFW, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman; Mitchell, M Smith; Rodd, George, Cole, Itoje, Martin, CCS, Underhill, Earl.
Breaking: England team v Japan named two days early. Marcus Smith at 10. Feyi-Waboso, Rodd and Cunningham-South also called into starting XV.
Your England team to face @JRFURugby 🌹 Steve Borthwick has named his 23-man squad for Saturday’s Test match in Tokyo. Sign up now to watch the match live and for free on @RugbyPass TV 📺 #JPNvENG | #WearTheRose | @O2
Wales team announcement live as Warren Gatland to name side for South Africa https://t.co/Pnza0eLEQv https://t.co/YHeXa9xOxV
🚨England go early klaxon! 🚨 Borthwick names his 23 for Japan, 48hrs ahead of schedule. Marcus Smith 10. Tom Curry bench. Furbank; Feyi-Waboso, Slade, Lawrence, Freeman; Mitchell, M Smith; Rodd, George, Cole, Itoje, Martin, Cunningham-South, Underhill, Earl. @TimesSport