Eben Etzebeth makes a swift return to the South Africa starting lineup against England following a suspension, while Manie Libbok gets the nod at fly half for the crucial clash. Etzebeth, who faced a lengthy ban after an eye gouge incident in his last Test against Wales, has only seen action once for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship since then.

Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks' coach, reinstates his most-capped player to the second row alongside Ruan Nortje as South Africa kicks off their Nations Championship campaign in Johannesburg. With Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu out due to injury, Libbok is chosen over Handre Pollard at fly half. Notably, Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse are set to earn their 50th caps in the back three.

Siya Kolisi leads a familiar squad packed with World Cup winners. Erasmus commented on the challenge ahead, noting England's recent struggles with four consecutive Six Nations defeats.

“England are a quality outfit, and we are expecting them to give everything they have in this match,” Erasmus stated. “It was important to select a squad with experience combined with a few younger players.”

Etzebeth’s comeback is crucial, especially with locks Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager unavailable due to injury and illness, respectively. The bench includes five specialist forwards, while Andre Esterhuizen has regularly performed in the back row over the past year.

In addition to England, South Africa will also face Wales and Scotland in the upcoming weeks, aiming for a strong start in this new competition spanning the July and November international windows.

South Africa XV to face England (Saturday, 4 July, 4.40pm BST): 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Thomas du Toit; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Siya Kolisi (capt.), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Grant Williams, 10 Manie Libbok; 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Cheslin Kolbe; 15 Damian Willemse.