England vs South Africa, autumn internationals 2018: What date is the first Test, what time is kick-off and what is our prediction?
What is it?
England's opening Test of the autumn internationals - and it's against the Boks at Twickenham. Eddie Jones' men toured South Africa in the summer, losing the series 2-1. Time for revenge.
When is it?
Saturday, November 3.
What time is kick-off?
3pm.
What TV channel is it on?
Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action.
What is the team news?
England
Danny Cipriani has been overlooked for England's autumn series squad to put a significant dent in his hopes of being involved in the 2019 World Cup
Cipriani has made a strong start to the season at Gloucester and was named Gallagher Premiership player of the month for September, yet is missing from the 36-man group named for Tests against South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Australia.
The 30-year-old playmaker started England's most recent game against South Africa in June and set-up the pivotal try for Jonny May but having been watched by Eddie Jones four times this season, he has been left out.
Owen Farrell and George Ford are present as the recognised fly-halves, although Henry Slade and Alex Lozowski provide cover in the position.
For the first time in Jones' reign, Dylan Hartley must share the leadership duties with Owen Farrell after the pair were named co-captains.
Ben Morgan makes his first appearance in an England squad since the 2015 World Cup as a result of the crisis at number eight that has seen Billy Vunipola and Sam Simmonds ruled out of the entire series by injury and Nathan Hughes miss all but the final match due to suspension.
Wing Chris Ashton is present despite having yet to make his debut for Sale with his seven-week ban for a tip-tackle having just elapsed.
Manu Tuilagi has overcome a succession of injuries to win inclusion and he will be competing with Ben Te'o - who has not played this season because of thigh and ankle problems - for selection in midfield.
England's loosehead prop resources have been decimated by Mako Vunipola's absence due to a calf issue and the international retirement of Joe Marler, leaving Alex Hepburn and Ben Moon as the only recognised options in the position.
The squad contains eight uncapped players and confirms the decline of veterans Dan Cole and James Haskell, who have been omitted once more.
What are England's autumn fixtures?
WEEK ONE
England vs South Africa.... Twickenham.... Saturday, November 3.... 3pm GMT.... (Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Action)
WEEK TWO
England vs New Zealand.... Twickenham.... Saturday, November 10.... 3pm GMT.... (Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Action)
WEEK THREE
England vs Japan.... Twickenham.... Saturday, November 17.... 3pm GMT.... (Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Action)
WEEK FOUR
England vs Australia.... Twickenham.... Saturday, November 24.... 3pm GMT.... (Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Action)
What are they saying?
England boss Eddie Jones on his squad strength:
"I'm really happy with the squad. We can only control what we can control and injuries have happened.
"It gives an opportunity for some good new players to play some important Tests for England while players who have been in the squad before, will have to take on more responsibility.
"I have named Dylan and Owen as co-captains for the series. They have both been excellent captains for England in the past and will provide a powerful leadership base for us on and off the field."
Jones on snubbing Danny Cipriani:
"We have got two good 10s (Farrell and Ford). It is tough on Danny but he is third choice at the moment."
Jones on having Hartley and Farrell as co-captains:
"It's almost become a no-brainer. The combination of those two together is just a great fit.
"Whatever team I've coached that has had success you've always had two at the top.
"Traditionally it has been captain and vice-captain but I see the role as being co-captains on the field. Dylan will handle some things, Owen will handle others - the things which come naturally to them both."
Jones on the South African threat:
"South Africa have been going really well. They have a new coach and have selected well.
"They play a traditional Springbok game up front and move the ball wide when they need to. We'll need to take them on up front and when we have opportunities to score points we have to be good enough to take them."
What's our prediction?
England are without a host of players - Lions players no less - so this is a ask, especially against a Springboks side that recently defeated the All Blacks! In England's favour, they do have home advantage and the Boks will also be without many of their best players - Faf de Klerk and Willie le Roux, as well as Francois Louw, Franco Mostert and Vincent Koch - because the match on November 3 takes place outside World Rugby's international window and they are contracted to English clubs. As such, home win... just.
Predicted score: England 23 South Africa 18.
