Marcus Smith has vowed that England will 'leave it all out there' when they face South Africa in their Nations Championship opener in Pretoria on Saturday. The fly-half, speaking ahead of the highly anticipated clash, emphasized the team's commitment to an expansive attacking game plan under new head coach Richard Cockerill.
England's New Attacking Philosophy
Smith, 26, has been instrumental in England's shift towards a more dynamic style of play, which they hope will unlock the Springboks' renowned defense. 'We've been working hard on our attacking structures and we're ready to show what we can do,' Smith said. 'It's about being brave and taking opportunities when they come.'
The match marks the beginning of the inaugural Nations Championship, a competition designed to provide more meaningful fixtures between the top-tier nations. England, currently ranked fifth in the world, face a formidable challenge against the world champions, who have won their last three encounters between the sides.
Key Players and Tactics
England's lineup features several changes from their last outing, with Smith partnering Ben Youngs in the half-backs. The back three includes Freddie Steward at fullback, with Jonny May and Jack Nowell on the wings. In the forwards, Maro Itoje returns to the second row after a minor injury, while Tom Curry and Sam Underhill form a formidable back-row combination.
South Africa, meanwhile, have selected a strong side led by captain Siya Kolisi. The Springboks will rely on their physical forward pack and the tactical kicking of fly-half Handré Pollard. 'They're a world-class team, but we're confident in our game plan,' Smith added.
Historical Context and Stakes
The last time England won in South Africa was in 2018, a narrow 25-24 victory in Johannesburg. Since then, the Springboks have won six of the last seven meetings, including a 27-10 win in the 2023 World Cup semifinal. Saturday's match is crucial for both teams as they aim to build momentum in the new competition.
'We know what's at stake,' Smith said. 'We've prepared well and we're ready to put in a performance that makes our fans proud.' The match kicks off at 17:00 local time (16:00 BST) and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
