Freddie Steward has been reinstated to the England squad for their upcoming match against South Africa, as head coach Steve Borthwick implements four changes to the team set to face the reigning world champions. Steward's return marks his first appearance this autumn, replacing George Furbank, who has been omitted from the match-day 23. This decision aligns with predictions made by Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus regarding the lineup adjustments. In addition to Steward, the team will also see the inclusion of Jack van Poortvliet, Sam Underhill, and Ollie Sleightholme.

Steve Borthwick has chosen to maintain continuity in his first autumn England team selection, making only four changes to the starting lineup ahead of the match against New Zealand. His strategy includes a forward-heavy bench, indicating a desire for a robust and dynamic performance. As the nation anticipates the outcome, Borthwick faces significant decisions that could have lasting implications. While some may view his selections as a forward-thinking approach aimed at future development, others might see it as a cautious strategy in preparation for a challenging series of matches. In making these choices, Borthwick has had to make some difficult calls. Notably, Sam Underhill, who has had memorable performances against New Zealand in the past, has been left out of the matchday squad entirely. Similarly, Fin Smith, who was expected to emerge as a key player at fly-half, has also been omitted from the lineup. Overall, Borthwick's selections reflect a blend of continuity and a focus on speed and intensity, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting encounter.