South Africa vs England, first Test: What time is kick-off today, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction?

South Africa vs England, first Test: What time is kick-off tomorrow
Ben Youngs, in action against South Africa in 2016, starts at scrum-half  Credit: Getty Images 

What is it?

The first Test in the three-match series between England and South Africa gets under way at the fortress that is Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg.

When is it?

The game is on Saturday afternoon (June 9).

What time is kick-off?

The game is scheduled to get under way at 16:05 BST.

What TV channel is it on? 

Sky Sports will be broadcasting the three-Test series, with Saturday's Test shown on both Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action. 

You can also follow the action here in our Telegraph Sport live blog.

What are the teams?

England

Eddie Jones made a number of bold selections for the first Test as he looks to reverse a slump in form that has seen England lose their last five games. 

With Joe Launchbury unavailable for selection through injury, 20-year-old Saracens lock Nick Isiekwe is given his England debut alongside Maro Itoje. 

Elliot Daly is rewarded for a strong performance against the Barbarians with the full-back berth, while Mike Brown is a surprise selection on the wing. 

South Africa

S’busiso Nkosi, Aphiwe Dyantyi and RG Snyman will make their Springbok debuts on Saturday when South Africa face England in the first Test in Johannesburg.

Wasps full-back Willie le Roux and Sale Sharks scrum-half Faf de Klerk both return to the Springboks team for the first time since 2016.

What are the teams saying? 

New Zealand-born Brad Shields is poised to make his debut after being named in Eddie Jones' matchday squad Credit: Getty Images 

England head coach Eddie Joneson returning to Ellis Park in Johannesburg: "It will be hostile but it's fantastic and I am so excited about it. In world rugby who do you want to beat? The Springboks at Ellis Park - it is the spiritual home of rugby.

"Everyone who knows anything about rugby remembers that 1995 World Cup final and the change that that had for rugby and the country - as well as the value that had for sport in general.

"To get the opportunity to play against the Springboks in the first Test of a three-Test series at Ellis Park is a special occasion for everyone involved.

"I remember watching the game in Sydney very clearly. My wife and I had just got married and we had a little baby, Chelsea. I remember my wife was doing the ironing and I was watching the game!"

Eddie Jones, the England head coach looks on during the training session in Durban Credit: GETTY IMAGES

South Africa's Duane Vermeulen on the appointment of a new coach and captain in Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi: "[Siya's] a great choice. He's a good leader and I think a lot of guys look up to him. I've got a lot of respect for him, on and off the field. He's a really great guy and a guy that can inspire this group of people.

"I always knew that there was something special about Siya, even during those early days at the Stormers.

"As it is with younger players, it took him a few seasons to understand his game. That said, he's always been someone I've respected both on and off the field.

"Last year, it was almost as if one coach was coming to the end of his tenure. I remember coming into the squad and you could tell by the players' body language that they weren't in a good space. There's a new energy about the group this year, with a new coach in place [Erasmus] and a new style of play on the cards.

"I've got a burning desire to play for the Boks. I've walked a long road with Rassie and he's taught me a lot about the game. He's the right guy to take the team forward. Even at this stage of my career, I feel that I have room to grow and that Rassie has more to teach me."

What are the odds?

  • South Africa 3/4
  • England 13/8
  • Drawn 25/1

What is our prediction?

Incredibly tight to call with both teams coming off recent Test defeats. The home side may just have the edge given England have not defeated the Springboks in South Africa since 2000. South Africa by three points.