The Springbok juggernaut is about to roll into Ellis Park, but England's pack has a plan to bring them down. A major reshuffle for Steve Borthwick's men sees new signing George Martin don the number 12 jersey, stepping into the shoes of absent captain Maro Itoje - no easy task! The South African colossus will be looking to exploit any weakness in England's lineout, but Borthwick's team is raring to go.
With five changes from the narrow loss to France, van Poortvliet gets the nod at scrum-half, showing faith in his ability to control the tempo. George Furbank makes a welcome return to full-back after a long injury layoff, while Manny Feyi-Waboso takes wing duties back from Tom Roebuck. In the back row, Curry's recall is just what England needed - and with Ben Earl by his side, they're ready to face whatever Springbok physicality comes their way.
But don't count out Henry Pollock just yet! Despite being left on the bench, the young star will be eager to make an impact when called upon. Borthwick's decision to favour experience might have surprised some fans, but his team is battle-hardened and ready for a gruelling contest.
As he addressed the media, Steve Borthwick exuded confidence: "This Test against South Africa at Ellis Park is one of the biggest in world rugby - and we can't wait to get stuck in! We've worked tirelessly since arriving here last week, and I sense a real buzz within the squad." England will be aiming to put an end to their four-match losing streak, but it won't be easy. Will they find the winning formula?
The full team to face South Africa is: George Furbank (Harlequins); Manny Feyi-Waboso (Exeter); Fraser Dingwall (Northampton), Ollie Lawrence (Bath), Cadan Murley (Harlequins); Fin Smith (Northampton), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester); Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears), Jamie George (Saracens, capt), Dan Heyes (Leicester), Alex Coles (Northampton), George Martin (Saracens), Ollie Chessum (Leicester), Tom Curry (Sale), Ben Earl (Saracens). Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale), Beno Obano (Bath), Fin Opoku-Fordjour (Sale), Charlie Ewels (Bath), Guy Pepper (Bath), Henry Pollock (Northampton), Alex Mitchell (Northampton), Marcus Smith (Harlequins).