England could be forced to pitch a rookie second row into the “hostile” arena of Ellis Park if Joe Launchbury fails a fitness test on his injured calf.
The Wasps captain did not train yet again on Wednesday with head coach Eddie Jones later confirming that his team announcement on Thursday would be delayed by an hour to 12.30pm BST.
As a result, the fitness race will semingly go to the wire, with the players being informed of the final selection just one hour before it is announced to the public.
Jones must decide whether Saracens forward Nick Isiekwe or Jonny Hill (Exeter), both of whom have yet to start a Test for England and only four caps between them.