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.”
France 24-6 New Zealand
39 mins: What a stop from France! New Zealand retained possession from the lineout and a flurry of passes and a quick side-step saw Coles drive to the line. He was almost over but a combination of Dupont and Jelonch strip the ball from his grasp - leading to a five-metre scrum with the clock in the red.
France 24-6 New Zealand
38 mins: New Zealand win a second penalty and they make the big call of going to the corner just before half time.
France 24-6 New Zealand
36 mins: France are dialling up the pressure at every opportunity - Villiere meets Smith with a big hit before Barrett is swarmed by Dupont. A France offside gives New Zealand a breather, and they kick into the France half for some much-needed territory.
TRY! France 24-6 New Zealand (Mauvaka 32’)
What is happening?! This is stunning from France!
It’s a copy of the opening try, driving over from the lineout, and it’s Peato Mauvaka who scores his second of the game! That’s his fifth try in just nine France caps!
Jaminet brings France up to 24 points!
France 17-6 New Zealand
30 mins: This is a sublime display of attacking rugby from France! Dupont eyes the quick switch of play and Fickou cleverly palms the ball down to Ntamack, who breaks! Villiere carried the ball to five metres but couldn’t wriggle clear as New Zealand recovered. He was forced out into touch and France have another lineout in a promising position!
France 17-6 New Zealand
27 mins: So close to another France try! Barrett spills the ball after New Zealand tried to carry the ball through the middle, and then suddenly Les Blues were on the attack!
Fickou plays a clever kick through towards Jaminet, who couldn’t quite beat Ioane to the line. New Zealand recover and it will be a five-metre scrum.
France 17-6 New Zealand (Jaminet pen 26’)
It’s another brilliant kick from Jaminet, and that extends France’s lead to 11.
France 14-6 New Zealand
25 mins: Retallick wins the ball ahead of Woki but New Zealand then concede a holding on penalty from the ruck. Jaminet will kick for goal.
France 14-6 New Zealand
23 mins: The mistakes from New Zealand are starting to add up. Barrett’s kick from outside his 22 goes straight into touch and puts France in a promising position.
Mauvaka then hits a camera that was too close to him as he lined up the lineout!
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