Here is the Springboks’ warning shot: England humbled in Johannesburg

Johannesburg – South Africa outscored England by seven tries to three to win a Nations Championship first-round match 45-21 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.

After reducing the deficit to 10 points with 11 minutes remaining, England were reduced to 13 men with centre Tommy Freeman and replacement forward Guy Pepper yellow carded.

A strong start to the Nations Championship 💪#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/ECGYAB4uBF

— Springboks (@Springboks) July 4, 2026

Captain Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth were late withdrawals due to injuries from the  match.

Flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit moved to the second row to replace Eben Etzebeth and Cameron Hanekom won his second cap as a replacement for loose forward Kolisi.

Du Toit was replaced by new cap Paul de Villiers. Marco van Staden and Ben-Jason Dixon were added to the Springboks bench.

Squad update: Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth have been forced to withdraw from the match-23. Paul de Villiers and Cameron Hanekom will start, with Ben-Jason Dixon drafted onto the bench. Pieter-Steph du Toit will captain the team 🔄

Follow the action live in our match centre:… pic.twitter.com/IrVYaKiY6j

— Springboks (@Springboks) July 4, 2026

England were also forced to make a late change with Marcus Smith replacing full-back George Furbank, who was taken to hospital suffering from appendicitis.

Henry Slade took the place of Smith among the replacements.