The world champions showed that rugby at the famous venue is still very much alive as they ran in seven tries against a determined English outfit.

The build-up was far from ideal for the Boks, who were forced into late changes after captain Siya Kolisi and veteran lock Eben Etzebeth were withdrawn from the matchday squad. 

This saw Paul de Villiers and Cameron Hanekom promoted to the starting XV, while Ben-Jason Dixon was added to the bench. Pieter-Steph du Toit shifted to lock and took over the captaincy duties.

Grant Williams. Photo: SA Rugby

It was also a memorable occasion for Damian Willemse and Cheslin Kolbe, who both celebrated their 50th Test caps for South Africa – and both delivered standout performances.

The Springboks wasted little time making their intentions clear. Willemse sparked the opening attack with a strong break down the left flank before the forwards recycled quickly, allowing Thomas du Toit to power his way over the line.

Moments later, Kolbe added his name to the scoresheet. A powerful run through the middle by Ox Nche created the opportunity, and Kolbe did the rest with his trademark footwork to beat defenders and score a brilliant try.

Nche’s afternoon ended early due to injury, with Gerhard Steenekamp replacing him, but the Boks kept applying pressure. Kurt-Lee Arendse soon produced a superb finish in the corner after a slick attacking move to give South Africa a commanding 17-0 lead after just 13 minutes.

England slowly worked their way back into the contest. After Arendse was yellow-carded for a deliberate knockdown, the visitors made their numerical advantage count. Ellis Genge powered over from close range before George Martin crossed shortly before half-time to reduce the deficit to 17-14 at the break.

The Springboks responded perfectly after the restart. After setting up camp deep in English territory, scrumhalf Grant Williams spotted a gap close to the line and darted over for a crucial try, with Kolbe adding the conversion.

With both teams turning to their benches, the battle became more physical, but the Boks regained control. Strong work from the forwards created space for Jesse Kriel to score, stretching the lead to 31-14.

England refused to go away, and Alex Coles kept them in the fight with a try from a driving maul, but their comeback hopes suffered a major blow when Tommy Freeman and Guy Pepper were both yellow-carded late in the match.

The Springboks took full advantage. Malcolm Marx showed his trademark strength from a lineout drive to crash over, before Dixon added the final try from close range to complete an impressive performance.

While England showed plenty of fight, their losing streak stretched to five matches as the Springboks once again proved why they remain the benchmark in world rugby.

For South Africa, it was the perfect start to their 2026 Test season – a powerful statement built on physicality, depth and clinical finishing.

Scorers:

Springboks: Tries – Thomas du Toit, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Grant Williams, Jesse Kriel, Malcolm Marx, Ben-Jason Dixo Conv. – Kolbe 5

England: Tries - Ellis Genge, George Martin, Alex Coles Conv. – Fin Smith 3

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg