England head coach Steve Borthwick is confident he has the backing of the Rugby Football Union despite presiding over a fifth successive defeat after South Africa triumphed 29-20 at Allianz Stadium. Cheslin Kolbe’s 62nd-minute try placed the Springboks in a commanding position and even when replacement prop Gerhard Steenekamp was sent to the sin-bin England could not break through,

Former England international Ugo Monye suggested Steve Borthwick’s team were on the verge of a crisis after suffering a fifth successive Test defeat against South Africa that was branded “not good enough”.

South Africa's Rassie Erasmus is preparing to face an England team and head coach feeling the pressure after four defeats on the spin, and said the Springboks are at a disadvantage ahead of Saturday's game due to their six day turnaround.

The Rugby Football Union insist the former England captain retains its “100 per cent support” ahead of the side’s first match against South Africa since the Springboks’ dramatic 16-15 World Cup semi-final win in 2023.

England are playing to avoid a fifth successive defeat when they host the all-conquering back-to-back world champions.