Alex Coles has embraced the challenge of facing South Africa's formidable second-row pairing in Johannesburg this weekend, describing Eben Etzebeth and Ruan Nortjé as two of the finest locks in world rugby.
The 25-year-old Northampton Saints forward is in line to start for England at Ellis Park in the absence of regular captain Maro Itoje, who has been rested following a heavy domestic season. Coles, who has earned 19 Test caps since his debut against Argentina in 2022, acknowledged the scale of the task ahead but insisted he is relishing the opportunity to test himself against the Springbok duo.
"They are quality, and as someone who likes to watch and study other locks, I think they are two of the world's best," Coles said. "That's something that excites me, a chance to go up against those guys. I played against Eben four years ago, but I think Ruan has also been unbelievable in the last few years, and I've tried to pick up a few bits from him. When you are a top sportsman, you want to play against the best, and I find that very exciting."
Etzebeth will arrive at Ellis Park fresh after sitting out the Barbarians fixture in Gqeberha a fortnight ago, while Nortjé has had an additional week to recover following his involvement in the Bulls' URC Final. The pair form one of the most physically imposing lock combinations in international rugby, and Coles will need to match their intensity if England are to compete at altitude.
Opportunity amid absence
Itoje's absence opens the door for Coles to make a lasting impression under head coach Steve Borthwick. The Northampton forward has struggled to secure a consistent place in the England squad since his debut, but the Nations Championship represents a fresh opportunity to establish himself as a regular starter.
England skills and kicking coach Kevin Sinfield confirmed the visitors have left nothing to chance in their preparation for the high-altitude challenge. The coaching staff will be acutely aware that altitude can amplify physical mismatches, and Coles' performance in the set-piece and breakdown will be critical to England's prospects.
For Coles, Saturday's encounter is not merely about survival but about proving he belongs at this level. If he can hold his own against Etzebeth and Nortjé, it will send a clear message to Borthwick ahead of the remainder of the Nations Championship campaign.