Henry Pollock on bench as Steve Borthwick names England XV for huge South Africa clash in Nations Championship

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Henry Pollock has been named on the bench for head coach Steve Borthwick's England squad for their huge South Africa clash in the Nations Championship.

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Pollock enjoyed an outstanding campaign in the Gallagher PREM, helping Northampton Saints finish top of the table in the regular season before coming out on top in last month’s play-off final with Exeter Chiefs.

In the backs, his former Saints team-mate George Furbank will make his first start for England since November 2024.

Chiefs star Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Furbank’s new Harlequins team-mate Cadan Murley will start on the wings, with Tommy Freeman and Seb Atkinson making up the midfield.

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Fin Smith has been selected at fly-half, while Jack van Poortvliet will partner him at scrum-half.

In the forward pack, the front row is comprised of Ellis Genge, captain Jamie George and Joe Heyes.

Alex Coles and George Martin will start in the engine room.

Flankers Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, and No. 8 Ben Earl have been named in the starting side in Pollock’s place, with Guy Pepper completing an abundant selection of back-row options on the bench.

Martin said he cannot wait for a physical test against the Springboks.

"You know they're going to bring it, and that's what I'm looking forward to most - the physical battle," he said.

"They actually pride themselves on it, so I'm definitely looking forward to that. I've never been to Johannesburg, but I know there's a bit more altitude.

"I'm looking forward to that challenge as well, but we'll be prepared for it - the management will put us in the best position to be ready."

Bath’s Beno Obano and Sale Sharks prospect Asher Opoku-Fordjour have been selected on the bench, with Luke Cowan-Dickie providing options at hooker.

Charlie Ewels is the final forward on the bench, while Alex Mitchell and Marcus Smith are also in the squad.

Starting XV

15. George Furbank (Harlequins, 14 caps)
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 13 caps)
13. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 27 caps)
12. Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, 4 caps)
11. Cadan Murley (Harlequins, 6 caps)
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 16 caps)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 24 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 80 caps) – vice-captain
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 110 caps) – captain
3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 22 caps)
4. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 19 caps)
5. George Martin (Saracens, 21 caps)
6. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 35 caps) – vice-captain
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 68 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 51 caps)

Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 58 caps)
17. Beno Obano (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)
18. Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks, 6 caps)
19. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 34 caps)
20. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, 12 caps)
21. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 10 caps)
22. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 30 caps)
23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 50 caps)

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