Furbank Returns as England Face Boks' Highveld Brutality
George Furbank makes his first start in nearly two years in England's Nations Championship opener at Ellis Park.
George Furbank will start at full-back for England in their Nations Championship opener against South Africa at Ellis Park, his first Test appearance since late 2024. The selection throws the 28-year-old into the cauldron of the Highveld, where altitude and the world champion Springboks await. Borthwick's back three pairs Furbank with wings Cadan Murley and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, both known for their attacking verve.
Henry Pollock is named among the replacements, offering impact off the bench. Ellis Park has historically punished touring sides, with South Africa losing just once there since 2019. The Boks pack, fresh from rolling the Rugby Championship, will test England's set-piece resilience.
The decision to restore Furbank to the XV signals an attacking intent from Borthwick, who is willing to risk flair against a suffocating defence. The head-to-head between Murley and Cheslin Kolbe on the wing is a subplot that could decide the game’s momentum. England's backline creativity will need to function on fast-forward to survive the altitude and the Boks' rush line.
What's next: England face a brutal opening fixture that will define their Nations Championship campaign. A win at altitude would be a seismic upset; a heavy defeat could expose cracks in Borthwick’s project. The Ellis Park clash will reveal whether England's attacking structure can withstand the Boks' physical dominance or if the Highveld proves too high a barrier. Read at BBC Rugby Union
Why this matters
Facing South Africa at altitude is the ultimate litmus test. Furbank’s inclusion signals an intent to attack, while Murley vs. Kolbe on the wing is a subplot worth the price of admission alone. England have chosen a backline built for speed and creativity, but the Highveld saps stamina and the Boks' rush defence preys on indecision. This is the sternest possible examination of Borthwick's attacking revamp, and the outcome will shape the trajectory of the Nations Championship.
Frequently asked
- When was George Furbank's last England start?
- His most recent Test start came in late 2024, nearly two years ago. He has been sidelined by a combination of injury and the form of Freddie Steward, but now returns to the number 15 jersey.
- What is the significance of playing at Ellis Park?
- Ellis Park stands at 1,753 meters (5,751 feet) above sea level. The altitude affects oxygen uptake, causing players to tire faster. South Africa have lost only one Test at the venue since the 2019 Rugby World Cup, making it a fortress.
- Who are the key matchups to watch?
- All eyes will be on England wing Cadan Murley, who faces Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe. Kolbe’s low center of gravity and finishing ability pose a major threat. Additionally, the battle between England's back three and the Boks' high-ball attack will be decisive.
Source
- Furbank to face Boks in first start in nearly two years
BBC Rugby Unionbbc.co.uk2 Jul, 13:01en-gb
