England assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth confirmed that Maro Itoje will miss the upcoming match against South Africa. The decision to rest the 31-year-old lock follows heavy workloads, as Itoje has exceeded the World Rugby limit of 30 matches per season across the last two campaigns. He will also sit out tests against Fiji and Argentina.

England faces a difficult itinerary under the new Nations Championship format. While Itoje recovers, the squad relies on depth including George Martin, Alex Coles, and Ollie Chessum. The team must navigate a grueling schedule starting in Johannesburg before traveling to Liverpool and Santiago del Estero. This period serves as a vital testing ground for Steve Borthwick's squad.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus remains cautious regarding England's tactical approach. Despite England's recent struggles in the Six Nations, Erasmus noted that Borthwick's data-driven methods make the side difficult to prepare against. South Africa has also bolstered its staff by recruiting former England personnel, including Felix Jones and Joe Lewis, to gain a competitive edge.