Springboks dismantle England 45–21 in Johannesburg as Borthwick's side suffer a fifth consecutive defeat

There was a reason Ellis Park became famous as a venue where great teams impose themselves and lesser ones wilt. South Africa showed England exactly what the old ground means on Saturday, racing to a 17–0 lead inside 10 minutes before England - to their credit - hauled it back to 17–14 at half-time, only for the Springboks to reassert themselves with a second-half blitz that sealed a 45–21 victory and extended England's losing run to five consecutive tests.

For Rassie Erasmus, still at the helm under a contract extended until 2031, it was a performance of ruthless efficiency. For Steve Borthwick, it was a sobering reminder of the gap that exists between England and the world's best - a gap that has widened alarmingly since the 2023 World Cup final.

The first-half collapse

England's selection gambles did not pay dividends. Henry Pollock, Northampton's form player of the season and named at 21 on the team sheet rather than in the starting back row, watched from the bench as England's forward pack was dominated from the opening set-piece. The Springboks' physicality at the breakdown forced four penalties in the first 20 minutes, and when they were given opportunity through England errors they were clinical in turning field position into points.

England's recovery to 17–14 showed heart, and it kept a large travelling support in the contest at the break. But the second half was a different story entirely. Yellow cards to Tommy Freeman and Guy Pepper in the final quarter added humiliation to defeat, and the Boks added three converted tries in the dying stages to push the margin to 24.

What this means

England face Fiji, who lost considerably to Wales, next. Borthwick needs results and he needs them quickly. The Nations Championship is six rounds in July and November, with a Finals Weekend in London. England's path to the final runs through performances that, at the moment, are well beyond them.

South Africa, meanwhile, continue to set the standard against which every team in the world is measured. The Nations Championship was designed, in part, to force these confrontations. If the opening round is any guide, the Springboks will be a very difficult side to dislodge from the top.

South Africa 45 defeated England 21. Ellis Park, Johannesburg. 4 July 2026.