George Furbank earns his first England start since November 2024 for Saturday's Nations Championship opener against South Africa in Johannesburg, while Henry Pollock remains on the bench despite strong Northampton form. The 21-year-old Pollock loses out to Tom Curry and Ben Earl in the back row selection. Jamie George captains the side with Maro Itoje rested, and five changes come from the France defeat in March.

Furbank's opportunity arrives after Freddie Steward's injury ruled him out of contention. Jack van Poortvliet starts at scrum-half ahead of Alex Mitchell, with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso returning on the wing. Head coach Steve Borthwick faces pressure after a disappointing Six Nations finish, making this Ellis Park clash a significant test of his rebuild.

Elsewhere, Sam Prendergast starts for Ireland against Australia in Sydney, replacing injured Jack Crowley. Tom Jordan takes fly-half duties for Scotland versus Argentina as Finn Russell recovers from calf issues. Louis Rees-Zammit shifts back to wing for Wales against Fiji after playing full-back during the Six Nations.

These opening Nations Championship fixtures feature multiple roster adjustments across all home nations. England's selection particularly highlights the competition for places in Borthwick's evolving squad, with Pollock's omission signaling that domestic excellence alone isn't enough for Test selection.