The Springboks begin the new competition as the world's top-ranked team and reigning Rugby World Cup champions, while England arrives looking to build on encouraging performances against elite opposition over the past year.

STEVE BORTHWICK’s England got altitude sickness in Johannesburg as they were demolished by the seven-try world champs. Borthwick’s crew had been training in special masks before arriving in

England showed huge resolve but the world champion Springboks emerged with a resounding 45-21 victory at Ellis Park

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) — South Africa tore apart England 45-21 after a stunning three-try blastoff in Nations Championship rugby at Ellis Park on Saturday. The shock and awe start by the Springboks for a 17-0 lead inside the first 12 minutes gave the double world champions a cushion they rode to their biggest win over England in 18 years.

ENGLAND begin their Nations Championship campaign against South Africa at Ellis Park – and it has been a nightmare start! The Red Rose face the toughest test of all against the back-to-back

South Africa are set to play England in their opening Nations Championship fixture this summer at Ellis Park; however, they have hit out at reports they believe are ‘misinformed’ ahead of kick-off. The current world champions are set to host England this Saturday in the first-ever round of fixtures in this new tournament.

South Africa Rugby has hit out at what it describes as “erroneous and misinformed” suggestions that Ellis Park would be far from full for the Nations Championship clash with England rugby. The Springboks take on Steve Borthwick’s side in their opening fixture of the new competition in Johannesburg in England’s first visit for eight years.

Steve Borthwick has announced his England team to face South Africa in the Nations Championship opener. Here's our winners and losers.