The arrival of Eddie Jones’ Japan at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham will bring the curtain down on a four-match November programme that has so far witnessed defeats to New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
England head coach Steve Borthwick has a choice to make ahead of this Sunday against Japan: stick or twist. Stick with the same core group and try and register a much-needed win, or twist with a new group who have had limited game time.
Patience is wearing thin for Steve Borthwick after England register their fifth consecutive loss with familiar failings
There was plenty of razzle dazzle in a five-try opening 26 minutes followed by the drama of early second-half tries chalked off at both ends before South Africa got the jump on England to move 29-20 ahead with 17 minutes remaining.
Steward has been restored at full-back to reinforce England’s aerial game.
The difference between the English and Springbok bench tells a story and Steve Borthwick’s use of his replacements needs to improve drastically if England are to salvage their autumn.
Steve Borthwick kept to his schedule this week, sticking to the plan that had his latest England team announcement pencilled in for Thursday.
Hurt by last weekend’s clock-in-the red 37-42 defeat to Australia, three alterations have been made to the back line and one to the pack for the visit of the world champion Springboks.
While it was England's attack, or lack thereof in the final quarter, that came under scrutiny following their loss to the All Blacks, it is the turn of the defence to be picked apart this week, as Australia did with consummate ease in their victory at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.