Another busy day in the rugby union game as England and South Africa both named their squads for the upcoming Test match in Johannesburg.
What’s on the site
Read the story of England’s squad announcement, which saw Tom Curry and Nick Isiekwe given starts, while New Zealand-born Hurricanes flanker Brad Shields is set to make his debut off the bench.
South Africa also released their team as the uncapped Aphiwe Dyantyi, Sbu Nkosi and RG Snyman were named in the first XV, with the experienced Willie le Roux and Duane Vermeulen handed recalls.
What’s in the news
It’s all about the internationals this weekend with the teams named for the other big matches, New Zealand v France and Australia v Ireland.
South Africa suffered a blow leading into the England series with the news that Montpellier duo Bismarck du Plessis and Frans Steyn would be unavailable for the first Test and it has now been announced that they will miss the entire series because of injury.
In the club game, former La Rochelle boss Patrice Collazo has been handed the Toulon head coach’s job and scrum-half Charlie Davies has signed for Northampton Saints.
What’s on social media
England supporters weren’t happy with Mike Brown’s inclusion on the wing against South Africa, judging by the responses to their team announcement on Twitter.
Good to See Daly at 15 but then this turned to disappointment when I saw Brown on the wing
— Matt Thomas (@MatthewThomas32) June 7, 2018
Come on Eddie not again Brown & Robshaw! At least give Cipriani a bench spot! South Africa are there for the taking but he hasn’t picked the players to capitalise.
— michael stapleton (@mstapo87) June 7, 2018
What’s on TV
Although Wales took on South Africa last weekend, the international action really starts on Saturday as New Zealand face France, Australia host Ireland and South Africa play England on Sky Sports.
Channel 4 are covering the Argentina v Wales Test series while Scotland’s game against Canada is being broadcast by the BBC.
The post RU Today: England and South Africa name teams for first Test appeared first on Planet Rugby.