South Africa v England: Historic win can revitalise Steve Borthwick’s England regime

For a coach that values continuity and cohesion, Borthwick took a sledgehammer to his side after the Scotland and Ireland Six Nations defeats, ripping up his whole backline for the games against Italy and France.

And while the longer-term selection picture still lacks consistency – only six players in Saturday’s XV started the last meeting with South Africa in November 2024, compared to 11 for the Springboks – the midfield trio of Fin Smith, Seb Atkinson and Tommy Freeman are together for a third Test in a row.

Ollie Chessum was colossal on the blindside flank against France, and he wears that jersey again this weekend. In all, 15 of the 23 involved in Paris will run out at Ellis Park.

On top of that, George Martin and George Furbank – two outstanding players who have missed the last 18 months because of injury – are both back, offering size and skill respectively. Firecracker winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso also returns, a player sorely missed earlier this year.

Regular skipper Maro Itoje is rested, but Coles is improving all the time and playing the best rugby of his career.

The front row is extremely experienced, and while there is a youthful tinge to the bench, captain Jamie George says the likes of Beno Obano, Asher Opoku-Fordjour and man-of-the-moment Henry Pollock are “frothing at the mouth” for the opportunity.