SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT: The 2025 Test season isn’t even cold yet, but Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has already shifted his focus to his first task in 2026.
Erasmus is somewhat notorious for following his upcoming opponents on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) ahead of a clash, and he has done so again by following the England Rugby account.
The World Champions welcome Steve Borthwick’s in-form side in the opening round of the newly formed Nations Cup on July 4.
The two proud nations share a rich history, especially in recent times, starting when the Boks smashed the Roses by 32-12 in the 2019 World Cup Final.
England and South Africa have met on four occasions since, with the Boks winning the last three, including a heart-stopping RWC semifinal in 2023.
The Boks come off a successful 2025 season, winning 12 Tests from 14. They also won an international friendly against the Barbarians.
Erasmus’s troops go into the England clash on an eight-match winning streak.
Borthwick’s England is on an 11-game winning run, losing just one Test this season in their Six Nations season-opener against Ireland.
Many pundits claim the Test will determine who is the world’s best team following England’s victory over New Zealand in November.
England is currently ranked third behind New Zealand and the Boks, who ended the year in the No.1 position in the world rankings.
The Nations Series will be perfect preparation for the Boks ahead of their Greatest Rivalry Tour series against the All Blacks starting in August 2026.