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-string team defeated the Barbarians last weekend, Rassie Erasmus has named a formidable line-up for the Springboks’ tournament opener. All the big guns, including Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende, are involved, while Cheslin Kolbe and Damian Willemse will be making their 50th caps. Erasmus and the Boks love nothing more than beating the English and today they will be out for blood. Manie Libbok starts at flyhalf.
Had the Rugby World Cup not been so close, Steve Borthwick would almost certainly have had his ear. After 11 wins in a row in 2025, England lost four of their five Six Nations matches to finish second to last, but the RFU’s reluctance to start again has left the team in something of a limbo. A better performance in the last round against France probably saved Borthwick’s job. Captain Maro Itoje has been given time off, while the injured Sam Underhill and Elliot Daly are also absent. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso returns to the side, while Henry Pollock is back on the bench looking to make an impact.
England have not won at Ellis Park, which sits 1,753 meters above sea level, since 1972.
Read on as we explain how to watch South Africa vs England for free at the 2026 Nations Championship.
Can you watch South Africa vs England for free?
Yeah. South Africa vs England is broadcast free of charge rugbypass tv in the USA, in ITVX in the UK and in Virgin multimedia game in Ireland.
Traveling abroad right now? 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 useful software that can make your device appear as if you are in your home country, so you can unblock your usual service. Best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and offers up to 75% off.
How to watch South Africa vs England live streams in the US
South Africa vs England, along with the 42 Nations Championship matches, is available to live stream for FREE on rugbypass tv in the US
You can tune in 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 traveling away from home to unblock your stream.
How to watch South Africa vs England live streams in the UK
In the UK, South Africa vs England is broadcast free-to-air ITV4with live streaming available via ITVX.
All you need is an account, a TV license and a UK postcode (e.g. HA9 0WS). Register here!
If you’re outside the UK but still want to tune in, explore the VPN route set out 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 broadcast free of charge Virgin Half One in Ireland, with live streaming available via Virgin multimedia game platform.
Outside Ireland? You will need 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 sport.
Stan Sport costs AU$20 a month on top of a Stan subscription, which itself starts at AU$12 a month.
Not in Australia right now? You can simply use a VPN like NordVPN to see 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 It is showing 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 get access to your home streaming service.
How to watch Springboks vs England live streams in South Africa
The Springboks vs England match is broadcast on supercar in South Africa.
You will need to get a DStv Access Package to watch the Nations Championship, with prices starting at Rs 99 per month for the streaming version.
Abroad right now? Just use a vpn and tell your device that you’re back home and ready to go.
How to watch South Africa vs England live streams in Canada
In Canada, South Africa vs England is broadcast. top level sports.
It costs CAD 29.99 per month. You’ll need the CA$79.99 six-month pass or the CA$139.99/year annual subscription to tune in to the entire tournament.
If you’re outside of Canada but still want to see the action, explore the VPN route set out above, which will help you access your accounts from anywhere.
What is the start time of South Africa vs England?
The scheduled start time for South Africa vs England on Saturday, July 4 is 5:40 pm SAST local time in Johannesburg, which is 8:40 am PT / 11:40 am ET / 4:40 pm BST.
That’s at 1:40am AEST on Sunday 5 July in Australia.
What is the head-to-head between South Africa and England?
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 head-to-head is 11-4-1.
Can I watch South Africa vs England on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or through the browser on your phone. 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 when you are abroad. We do not support or tolerate illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Future Publishing does not endorse or approve the consumption of paid pirated content.
