South Africa Captain Kolisi Out of England Match with Hamstring Injury

South Africa's preparations for their Nations Championship clash against England were disrupted moments before kickoff as captain Siya Kolisi was ruled out due to injury. Kolisi sustained a hamstring problem during the team's captain's run on Friday but was given until the final moments before the match on Saturday to prove his fitness.

Veteran lock Eben Etzebeth was also a late withdrawal. Officials confirmed Etzebeth suffered a knock to the head during training and exhibited symptoms consistent with concussion, forcing his removal from the lineup. These significant changes necessitated adjustments to the team's structure and leadership.

Pieter-Steph du Toit stepped into the captaincy role, taking over from Kolisi. Du Toit also shifted position from the side of the scrum to the second row, filling the void left by Etzebeth. Cameron Hanekom was brought in to play at number seven, while Paul de Villiers earned his first cap, starting at blindside flanker in place of Kolisi.

England also faced a late personnel change, with George Furbank being replaced by Marcus Smith due to appendicitis. The match proceeded with these altered lineups for both sides.