South Africa vs England LIVE: Springboks host Six Nations strugglers in huge clash at Ellis Park

Saturday 4 July: South Africa vs England (4.40pm BST, Johannesburg)

Saturday 11 July: Fiji vs England (2.10pm BST, Liverpool)

Saturday 18 July: Argentina vs England (8pm BST, Santiago del Estero)

Backed by the RFU hierarchy after the Six Nations, Steve Borthwick was nonetheless vague on what would change for England over the next few weeks – partly because the task really is tall and itinerary so tough:

Alex Coles insists England must be ready to fill the leadership and playing voids created by Maro Itoje’s absence when they clash with South Africa at Ellis Park.

Itoje has been rested for the July tour – the first time he has been stood down for a campaign since making his Test debut a decade ago – with Jamie George deputising as captain in his absence.

It’s a fearsome looking South Africa side, with Manie Libbok at fly half and Eben Etzebeth back from suspension in the second row.

South Africa and England begin their Nations Championship campaigns with a mouthwatering meeting at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. It is eight years since England last took on their rivals in the Springboks’ backyard, and Steve Borthwick’s side face a tall task as they look to end a run of four successive defeats after a horror Six Nations.

Kick off is at 4.40pm BST.