South Africa star back from eye gouging ban to face England in Nations Championship

29 Jun 2026 • 6:27 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

South Africa star back from eye gouging ban to face England in Nations Championship

  • Eben Etzebeth will make an immediate return to the South Africa starting lineup against England on Saturday after serving a suspension for eye gouging in his last Test match against Wales.
  • Manie Libbok has been selected as the fly-half for the Springboks, preferred over Handre Pollard, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu sidelined due to injury.
  • Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse are set to earn their 50th caps for South Africa in the back three during the match.
  • Siya Kolisi will captain a strong South African side, featuring many World Cup winners, as they begin their Nations Championship campaign in Johannesburg.
  • Coach Rassie Erasmus anticipates a challenging encounter against England, acknowledging their quality and expecting a "bruising" match as both teams aim for a strong start to the new competition.

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