George Furbank will start at fullback for England in their Nations Championship opener against South Africa in Johannesburg, marking his first appearance for the team in nearly two years. He is part of a reshaped back three alongside Cadan Murley and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. The match at Ellis Park presents a significant challenge for Steve Borthwick's side.

In the forwards, George Martin earns a start in the second row alongside Alex Coles, while Ollie Chessum plays blindside flanker. Regular captain Maro Itoje is rested, with hooker Jamie George leading the team and anchoring an experienced front row with Ellis Genge and Joe Heyes. Ben Earl and Tom Curry complete the back row.

Fly-half Fin Smith partners Jack van Poortvliet at scrum-half. Henry Pollock, fresh off back-to-back man-of-the-match performances in Northampton's title-winning run, is named among the replacements. This fixture is considered one of the toughest tests in world rugby.

England will face a formidable Springboks outfit in their opening match of the competitive series. The team's lineup shows a mix of returning experience and emerging talent, aiming to make a statement early in the championship.