England vs South Africa Prediction: Springboks can edge Twickenham victory

South Africa have become familiar foes for England after knocking them out of the last two Rugby World Cups and the powerful Springboks look ready to inflict more pain on their hosts, who are battling to get out of a losing run.

Read on for my England vs South Africa prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

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Team News

After last week’s defeat to Australia, England head coach Borthwick has tweaked his line-up, bringing in Jack van Poortvliet at scrum-half for Ben Spencer, while Freddie Steward replaces George Furbank at full-back.

Sam Underhill comes into the pack and his hard work at the breakdown could be a key factor in what is expected to be a physical confrontation.

South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus, meanwhile, has made no fewer than 12 changes to his line-up from last week’s victory over Scotland, although it’s by no means a weakened team given the depth of talent at his disposal.

In the 23-man squad there are 15 players who took part in last year’s semi-final and Erasmus also pointed out the six-day turnaround as a reason for making wholesale changes.

England vs South Africa Odds

*Please click on the link above to be taken to the main England vs South Africa page on betfred.com (or app) for all the live betting prices on this match.

South Africa are 4/11 favourites to extend England’s losing run, while the hosts are 23/10 to turn things around. The draw is 20/1 and the match handicap is set at seven points.

South Africa to win by one to 12 points @ 13/8

England have won just one of their last six matches - and that was against tier-two Japan - but none of those defeats have been by more than a converted try and in their two Twickenham outings this month they have blown winning positions.

England know how to stay in a fight with South Africa and defences look set to dominate in this clash.

South Africa play a pragmatic, power-based game and England have shown they can dig deep and fight. The Boks look to have just too much power and class but it’s likely to be another close one.

Cheslin Kolbe first tryscorer @ 8/1

Both teams employ an aggressive blitz defence which is often hard to break down, but tricky Springbok winger Kolbe has the footwork to skip his way out of tight spaces.

He scored against England in the 2019 World Cup final and in his last outing against Argentina in the Rugby Championship in September. If anyone can make a breakthrough in a battle of aggressive defences it has to be him.

Offers

Saturday: Place an In-Play bet of £10 or more (odds of 1/2+) on England v South Africa on Saturday and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on France v New Zealand.

Double Delight: Place a Pre-Match First Tryscorer bet on England v South Africa and if they score the first try and then score again, we’ll double their odds!

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