Things could get worse before they get better for England, who face back-to-back world champions South Africa at Ellis Park in the first round of the inaugural 2026 Nations Championship.
After a second-tier team beat the Barbarians last weekend, Rassie Erasmus has named a formidable team for the Springboks’ tournament opener. All the heavy artillery, including Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende, are involved, while Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse will get their 50th caps. Erasmus and the Boks love nothing more than to beat the English and they are going to fight today. Manie Libbok starts at fly-half.
If the Rugby World Cup hadn’t been so close, Steve Borthwick would certainly have been listening. After 11 straight wins in 2025, England lost four of their five Six Nations matches to finish second from bottom, but the RFU’s reluctance to start from scratch has left the team in something of a limbo. An improved performance in the final round against France probably saved Borthwick’s job. Skipper Maro Itoje has been given time off, while injured duo Sam Underhill and Elliot Daly are also out. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso returns to the wing, while Henry Pollock is back on the bench looking to make an impact.
England have not won at Ellis Park, located 1,753 meters above sea level, since 1972.
Read on as we explain how to watch South Africa vs England in the 2026 Nations Championship for free.
Can you watch South Africa vs England for free?
Yes. South Africa vs England is broadcast free-to-air Rugbypass TV in the United States, on ITVX in the United Kingdom, and on Blank Media Set in Ireland.
Are you traveling abroad at the moment? You can use a VPN to watch South Africa vs England for free as if you were at home.
Use a VPN to watch South Africa vs England live streams
A VPN is a handy piece of software that can make your device appear to be in your home country, so you can unblock your usual service. The best VPN at the moment? We recommend NordVPN – it does it all and offers up to 75% off.
How to watch South Africa vs England live streams in the USA
South Africa vs England, as well as matches from the 42 Nations Championship, are available live for FREE on Rugbypass TV in the United States.
You can connect via the Rugbypass TV website or app, and it works with Chromecast, Airplay, AppleTV and Android TV.
Outside the United States? Use a VPN while you travel away from home to unblock your feed.
How to watch South Africa vs England live streams in the UK
In the UK, South Africa v England is broadcast for free on ITV4with live streaming available via ITVX.
All you need is an account, a TV license and a UK postcode (eg HA9 0WS). Register here!
If you’re not in the UK but still want to connect, explore the VPN route shown above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.
How to watch South Africa vs England live streams in Ireland
South Africa vs England is streamed for free on Virgin Media One in Ireland, with live streaming available via the Blank Media Set platform.
Outside of Ireland? You will have to download a VPNas detailed above, to access your free Nations Championship stream from abroad.
How to watch South Africa vs England live streams in Australia
In Australia, South Africa vs England is exclusive to Stan Sports.
Stan Sport costs AU$20/month in addition to a Stan subscription, which itself starts at AU$12/month.
Not in Australia right now? You can simply use a VPN like NordVPN to watch the action as if you were at home.
How to watch South Africa vs England live streams in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Sky Sport Reviews broadcasts the South Africa vs England match.
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a live stream, with the Sky Sport Now subscription service from NZ$29.99 per day or NZ$59.99 per month.
Those outside New Zealand for any part of the Nations Championship can use NordVPN to access their home streaming service.
How to watch Springboks vs England live streams in South Africa
The Springboks vs England match is broadcast on Supersport in South Africa.
You will need to obtain a DStv access package to watch the Nations Championship, with prices starting at Rs99/month for the streaming version.
Abroad at the moment? Simply use a VPN and tell your device that you are back home and will be ready to go.
How to watch South Africa vs England live streams in Canada
In Canada, South Africa vs England is broadcast on Premier Sports.
It costs CA$29.99 per month. You will need either the six-month pass at CA$79.99 or the annual subscription at CA$139.99/year to follow the entire tournament.
If you’re outside of Canada but still want to catch the action, explore the VPN route shown above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.
What is the start time for South Africa vs England?
The scheduled kick-off time for South Africa against England on Saturday July 4 is 5:40 p.m. SAST Johannesburg local time, which is 8:40 a.m. PT / 11:40 a.m. ET / 4:40 p.m. BST.
It’s 1:40 a.m. AEST on Sunday July 5 in Australia.
What is the South Africa vs England head-to-head?
The Springboks have won 29 of their previous 47 meetings with England. England have won 16 and there have been two draws.
In South Africa, the record is 11-4-1.
Can I watch South Africa vs England on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters offer streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or through your phone’s browser. For example, ITVX, Rugbypass TV and VM Play all have dedicated apps.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Access a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid pirated content is not endorsed or endorsed by Future Publishing.
