George backs England bench against Boks

Captain Jamie George has backed England's inexperienced replacement forwards to swing the match their way in the final quarter of Saturday's Test against South Africa in Johannesburg.

Beno Obano, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Henry Pollock and Guy Pepper have four, six, 10 and 12 caps respectively.

While second row Charlie Ewels has 34 England appearances to his name, he has been used sparingly over the last three seasons.

"They're frothing at the mouth for this opportunity," George told Rugby Union Weekly.

"A lot of those guys have been waiting for an opportunity like this for a long time."

Pollock has become the focus of South African attention in the build-up to the match, with his exuberant on-pitch persona riling some Springbok fans.

The 21-year-old flanker posted a picture from his Johannesburg-bound plane last week, posing with his fist clenched, the caption "see you soon ZA [South Africa]" and an emoji of a drop of blood., external

George says that a clear gameplan, aiming to build on an impressive performance in defeat by France last time out, means the replacements won't be overawed by the prospect of playing out the final stages against the two-time reigning world champions.

"It's not just throwing them in at the deep end," added George.

"We give them the understanding of how we're going to go and do it. This is what's required of you. And then they've got a better understanding of where we need to be and what they need to do.

"That then generates excitement rather than any sort of being scared of the occasion."

England's bench contrasts to a strategy that head coach Steve Borthwick employed in the midst of a winning streak in 2025.

British and Irish Lions Ellis Genge, Will Stuart and Tom Curry were among those used as highly experienced impact substitutes as England surged to 12 straight victories.

However, England's front-row depth has since decreased with tighthead Stuart out injured and Fin Baxter and Bevan Rodd sidelined on the other side of the scrum. Captain Maro Itoje has also been rested for the entirety of the summer.

South Africa, whose formidable back-up forwards became known as the 'Bomb Squad' en route to France 2023 glory, have also named some relative rookies among their replacements with Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Zach Porthen and Cameron Hanekom all having fewer than 10 caps.

"I think it is a great opportunity for Henry Pollock," said former England fly-half Paul Grayson, who is commentating on the game at Ellis Park for BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I don't think he will be coming off the bench with 15 minutes to go. It will be with half an hour left and a chance to make an impact.

"In terms of the front-row inexperience, England are where they are. Those are the guys that are fit and Saturday may be the day they find an extra gear with someone like Beno Obano stepping up and putting pressure on those ahead of him.

"It is going to be fascinating to see how the battle plays out in the final quarter."