The Greatest Rivalry may be the feast of rugby that local rugby fans can’t wait to see this coming international season but for now England remains the biggest test of the year.
For now that is. And it is easy to see why. Steve Borthwick’s side are 11 tests unbeaten, have been building nicely and have the self belief that only an English side can muster - that interesting mix of confidence, arrogance and a bit of self doubt that can see it all come tumbling down.
We’ve seen the English press build up their side before and come down hard on them when they fail to meet expectations but there is much to crow about in English rugby at the moment. There are some cracker games and the league is arguably stronger with just 10 teams in it. There are some excellent young stars building their reputations and they are on a good run at international level.
But they are yet to play the Springboks, who were sensational in 2025 and look to build on their dominance in 2026 ahead of their World Cup defence in 2027.
There is no doubt that England are an excellent side, and they have caused the Boks problems - memories of the 2023 World Cup semifinal are an easy reference for this. But they tend to get ahead of themselves at times rather than being pragmatic and waiting before crowning themselves World Champions in waiting.
MOST IMPORTANT TEST
Plus, they have Rassie Erasmus’ attention firmly on the game, and the Springbok coach has made it clear that this is the most important test of the year.
It isn’t surprising, although the elevation of the England test above the All Blacks - for now - may raise some eyebrows.
But Erasmus has done this before. In the 2019 World Cup we all scoffed when he said the Italy game was the most important one of the World Cup pool stage, and then in 2023 it was Scotland.
On both occasions Springbok supporters believed their team would win easily and they did in the end. But the message was clear. If the Boks don’t clear that hurdle, then it doesn’t matter what happens next.
The same mindset has already been set for the July Nations Championship opener against England. The Ellis Park test is the perfect setting for England to test their claims and they will be up for it.
They’ve already crowed about wanting to face the World Champions to measure themselves. That sets up an epic clash that few will want to miss.
And the Boks know, if they don’t win that game, it would put a real damper on the rest of the season. England are the main contenders at the moment, and their progress at this year’s Six Nations will be especially good to watch.
ENGLISH CONFIDENCE SKY HIGH
Steve Bothwisck has already told English fans they will be playing for the Grand Slam and Six Nations title in Paris, and you can be sure every inch of their game plan will be analysed and plans will be worked out to counter what England will bring to Johannesburg.
Of course, if England do fall flat, and suffer a defeat here or there as they have in the past, it will dampen their own expectations, but it won’t change the way the Boks look at their season.
Erasmus knows it is the last full season before the World Cup and a last chance to hone any plans. The Nations Championship is a nice title to have, but my guess is that the Greatest Rivalry will be a bigger drawcard in the Bok camp and the new competition will initially struggle for the same relevance, especially after France already said their Top14 finalists won’t play in the opening game for their nation.
Erasmus this week told rugby writers in Cape Town the England game was the most important one and the only focus for the Boks thus far. You can expect the Boks to experiment in games against Scotland and Wales, but they will want to win that one simply because of the hype that will come to town.
SPECIAL BREWING
“England are really looking strong now and have won their last 11 tests. You can see there’s something special brewing there. For us, it’s great to be playing England in the first match of the Nations Championship.
“By the time we play England, it will be seven months since our last test. A lot will have happened in the meantime – law changes and a full Six Nations. We’ll have the advantage of being able to analyse their Six Nations matches, while they won’t know exactly what we have planned.”
And as always you can bet Rassie has a plan up his sleeve.
So the All Blacks will remain the main feast this year, but my oh my, England are a sumptuous appetiser to look forward to.