Autumn Nations Series preview: England v South Africa

11 Nov 2024 | 3 min |

Autumn Nations Series preview: England v South Africa

Everything you need to know as England Men face world champions South Africa at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham for their third game of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series.

Steve Borthwick’s side face the Springboks this Saturday 16 November, in their first meeting since the World Cup semi-final, which South Africa won 15-16.

England will also be looking to respond with a win after defeat by Australia on Saturday thanks to a last-minute try from Max Jorgensen.

Where	Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
When	Saturday 16 November
Kick-off	17:40
Where to watch	TNT Sports

Last time out

Stats & facts

England have won three of their last four games against South Africa at Allianz Stadium, although the Springboks won the most recent encounter there in 2022.

Among Tier 1 men's nations, only Argentina have crossed the gainline in a higher proportion of their carries than England (64.3%), who are closely followed by South Africa (64.2%).

South Africa have retained possession from 22% of their kicks in play, the most of any Tier 1 men's team, while England have retained the second most with 16%.

Ben Earl has made the most carries in 2024 so far, with 160 carries and is second for total metres made this year, with 856.

Ollie Sleightholme currently has two tries from his three caps and is averaging a try every 27 minutes.

England team to play Springboks

England team to face South Africa

Keep your eyes on

The returners. Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet and Sam Underhill will make their first appearances of the Autumn against South Africa.
The replacements. Having used a seven-one split of forwards and backs replacements against Scotland, South Africa have reverted to a five-three split, with England also setting up the same way.
Ollie Sleightholme's first start. Fresh from his cameo against Australia in which he scored two tries, Sleightholme will start for the first time for England.