Things could get worse before they get better for England, who face back-to-back world champions South Africa at Ellis Park in the opening round of the inaugural Nations Championship 2026.
After a second-tier side beat the Barbarians last weekend, Rassie Erasmus has named a formidable lineup 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 earn their 50th caps. Erasmus and the Boks love nothing more than to get one over the English and they will be gunning for blood today. Manie Libbok starts on the tick.
If the Rugby World Cup wasn’t so close, Steve Borthwick would almost certainly have been out on his ear. After 11 straight wins in 2025, England lost four of their five Six Nations games to finish second from bottom, but the RFU’s reluctance to start afresh has left the team in a limbo of sorts. An improved display in the last round against France probably saved Borthwick’s job. Captain Maro Itoje has been rested, while injured duo Sam Underhill and Elliot Daly are also absent. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso returns on the wing as Henry Pollock is back on the bench looking to make an impact.
England have famously not won at Ellis Park, which is 1,753 meters above sea level, since 1972.
Read on as we explain how to watch South Africa vs England for free in the 2026 Nations Championship.
Can you watch South Africa vs England for free?
Yes. South Africa vs England is shown on free-to-air Rugby pass TV in the United States, at ITVX in the UK and beyond Virgin Media Play in Ireland.
Are you traveling abroad right now? You can use one 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 look like it’s back in your home country so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with up to 75% off.
How to watch South Africa vs England live streams in USA
South Africa vs England, along with all 42 Nations Championship matches, are available to live stream for FREE on Rugby pass TV in the United States.
You can tune in via the Rugbypass TV website or app and it works with Chromecast, Airplay, AppleTV and Android TV.
Outside the US? Use one VPN while traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
How to watch South Africa vs England live streams in UK
In the UK, South Africa vs England is free-to-air 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 outside the UK but still want to tune in, go explore The VPN route above which will help you access your accounts anywhere.
How to watch South Africa vs England live streams in Ireland
South Africa vs England is free-to-air on Virgin Media One in Ireland, with live streaming available via Virgin Media Play platform.
Outside of Ireland? You will have to download a VPNas described above, to take advantage of 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 on top of 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 back home.
How to watch South Africa vs England live streams in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Sky Sports NZ shows the match between South Africa and England.
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a live stream included Sky Sport Now subscription service starting at 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 match Springboks vs England is shown on Super sports in South Africa.
You must have one DStv access package to watch the Nations Championship, with prices starting at Rs99/month for the streaming version.
Abroad right now? Just use a VPN and tell your device that you are back home and ready to go.
How to watch South Africa vs England live streams in Canada
In Canada, South Africa vs England continues to be shown Premier Sports.
It costs CA$29.99 per month. You’ll need either 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 out of Canada but still want to catch the action, explore The VPN route above which will help you access your accounts anywhere.
What is the kick-off time for South Africa vs England?
The scheduled kick-off time for South Africa vs England on Saturday 4th July is 17.40 SAST local time in Johannesburg, which is 8:40 a.m. PT / 11:40 a.m. ET / 4:40 p.m. BST.
It’s 1.40am AEST on Sunday 5th July in Australia.
What is South Africa vs England head-to-head?
The Springboks have won 29 of their 47 previous meetings with England. England have won 16 and there have been two draws.
In South Africa, the head-to-head stands at 11-4-1.
Can I watch South Africa vs England on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access via mobile apps or via your phone’s browser. For example, ITVX, Rugbypass TV and VM Play all have dedicated apps.
We test and review VPN services for legitimate recreational use. For example: 1. Accessing a Service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that Service). 2. Protecting your online security and enhancing your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid-for pirated content is neither endorsed nor endorsed by Future Publishing.
