England vs South Africa LIVE: Rugby result, final score and reaction from 2021 Autumn Nations Series
Eddie Jones’ side got some revenge against the world champion Springboks
England welcomed South Africa to Twickenham on Saturday afternoon in a mouthwatering rematch of the World Cup final two years on.
Fly-half Marcus Smith landed a last-minute penalty to snatch a 27-26 win as the hosts looked full of early promise but were hauled back by the battling Springboks in the teams’ first meeting since the 2019 showpiece.
England fashioned excellent early tries for Manu Tuilagi and Freddie Steward but were penalised relentlessly and four penalties for Handre Pollard kept South Africa within five points at the break.
The Springboks edged clear in the second half and, after tries by Raffie Quirke for England and Makazole Mapimpi for the Springboks, a Fran Steyne penalty put the visitors two points ahead with six minutes to go. England, though, mustered one final attack and earned a penalty on the 22 that Smith smashed over.
With star youngsters like Smith, Steward and Quirke breaking through across a fruitful autumn, Jones admitted the quest for the 2023 World Cup title hurtles ever closer. Asked if this autumn series represents a new England era, coach Eddie Jones replied: “Yes, we said in the summer that the Lions tour draws a line in the sand, and that you need to regenerate and have a little bit of a rebirth to go to the World Cup.
“There’s some good players coming through but we’ve got some pretty good experienced players too. They feel comfortable within themselves, they want to be together, they want to work together. Our stated aim is to win the World Cup, so we want to be better in the next campaign.”
England 17-12 South Africa, 42 minutes
But a South African knock-on and England will feed a scrum on their own ten-metre.
England 17-12 South Africa, 41 minutes
Loose start from England - over-eager in trying to charge down South Africa’s clearance and whistled for being offside.
England 17-12 South Africa, 39 minutes
Adventure from South Africa! A deft little chip from Reinach and it nearly bounces South Africa’s way, but Max Malins somehow gathers at full tilt and produces something rather pleasant with his own right boot, a metre shy of a 50:22 as it trickles into touch.
South Africa overthrow the lineout! England possession as the half nears its close...Marcus Smith is back in the pocket...
Clearly Jonny Wilkinson didn’t give him the right advice in training this week - that was a properly ugly drop goal attempt, and that will be the half.
England 17-12 South Africa, 38 minutes
Kyle Sinckler is riled as Cobus Reinach keeps a hold of the England tighthead as the rest of the home forwards try to support Jamie Blamire who had worked a move at the front. The petty squabbling rather distracts England and when Tom Curry is deposited on his back by a double-tackle, England are again penalised for their breakdown clearing work.
England 17-12 South Africa, 36 minutes
This time South Africa are guilty of the same offence. Tom Curry makes a remarkably good tackle on Makazole Mapimpi in space and as two England players arrive to compete, a Springbok dives off his feet.
Henry Slade kicks down the right touchline. Jamie Blamire will throw the lineout inside the South Africa 22.
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