Kitshoff warns Pollock and the Smiths are in Felix Jones' crosshairs ahead of Ellis Park clash

Steven Kitshoff has warned that Henry Pollock, Fin Smith and Marcus Smith will face intense individual scrutiny from the Springboks ahead of South Africa’s Nations Championship meeting with England at Ellis Park on 4 July, with returning coach Felix Jones central to that process.

Kitshoff, a double World Cup-winning loosehead prop, spoke on the For the Love of Rugby and For the Love of Rugby South Africa crossover podcast to explain why Jones’ reintegration into Rassie Erasmus’ backroom staff is so significant. Jones, a former Ireland international, was part of the Springbok setup for their 2019 and 2023 World Cup triumphs before spending a year working under Steve Borthwick with England — experience that gives him a layered understanding of both camps.

But Kitshoff was clear that Jones’ value lies less in any insider knowledge of England’s systems and more in his forensic attention to individual opponents. “Throughout the time I spent with Felix, there was a lot of focus put in on individual players,” Kitshoff said. “He would definitely have a good look at what Pollock could be doing in and out of his game. He would look at the Smiths, he would look at the guys’ individual performances and say, ‘Listen, this is a guy that we need to watch.’”

Kitshoff outlined a three-part framework that he says defines how the Springboks approach opposition analysis. The first element is a deep respect for understanding what England are built on — their identity and DNA. The second is an internal focus on what South Africa themselves need to fix. The third, and perhaps most decisive, is the targeting of specific individuals to disrupt their rhythm.

“If you find those three elements and put them together, that’s normally how the Springboks prepare and do their analysis work on any opposition they play,” he said.

For England, the warning is pointed. Pollock has emerged as one of the most exciting young back-row forwards in the northern hemisphere, while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith give Borthwick’s side creative options at fly-half and fullback respectively. That the Springboks are already naming them publicly suggests Jones’ homework is already well underway.

South Africa and England meet at Ellis Park on 4 July in what shapes up as one of the standout fixtures of the Nations Championship.