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.”
TRY! France 24-18 New Zealand (Ioane 51’)
Two tries in quick succession from the All Blacks - you can never write them off!
It came after a quick turnover, with Whitelock instrumental in stealing in at the breakdown.
New Zealand went right as Smith whipped the ball into Ioane’s hands. He spotted the gap inside Villiere and motored to the line - that was a stunning turn of speed.
Barrett adds the kick from a central position.
France 24-11 New Zealand
49 mins: Mauvaka makes an error as he goes to close down Smith before the ball was out of the ruck.
But France get away with it as New Zealand give away a penalty themselves after they had gained 40 metres or so.
Jaminet sends France back into the New Zealand half.
TRY! France 24-11 New Zealand (Barrett 47’)
New Zealand hit back! They sustained their attack five metres out, aided by the penalty advantage. They go left, and Smith whips a wicked pass out wide to Barrett, who finishes past Penaud in the corner.
Barrett hooks his kick from the touchline.
France 24-6 New Zealand
45 mins: France win another penalty from the lineout, but Jaminet’s kick doesn’t make it into touch. He really tried to push that into the corner but Barrett was able to keep it in.
France 24-6 New Zealand
42 mins: It’s well claimed by New Zealand, but then France force them back! Tupaea goes for the carry but France win the penalty and Jaminet clears!
France 24-6 New Zealand
41 mins: France concede a penalty within 30 seconds, with Cyril Baille off his feet at the ruck.
New Zealand go to the corner...
KICK-OFF! France 24-6 New Zealand
Back underway at the Stade de France! How will the All Blacks respond to the battering the received in the first half?
HALF TIME: France 24-6 New Zealand
I think the French enjoyed that first half against the All Blacks...
Second half coming up next - can France hold on to secure a famous result?
HALF TIME: France 24-6 New Zealand
There was some incredible rugby played in that half from France, and Romain Ntamack was usually at the heart of it.
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