England vs South Africa LIVE rugby: Final score and result as Springboks down sub-par England despite red card
England 13-27 South Africa: Thomas Du Toit sent off but Springboks cruise to a win that completes a poor autumn for England
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England collapsed to their first defeat by South Africa at Twickenham for eight years as an autumn of crushing disappointment concluded with a 27-13 rout.
Eddie Jones’ men delivered the worst performance of a campaign consisting of a solitary victory over Japan as the 14-man Springboks, inspired by half-backs Faf de Klerk and Damian Willemse, dominated the rematch of the 2019 World Cup final.
By the end of the first half, England had spent only six seconds in the opposition 22 with their backline reduced to virtual bystanders by a vast error count and the familiar disciplinary issues. The most brainless moment arrived shortly after the break when Jonny Hill flung De Klerk out of a ruck, prompting referee Angus Gardner to reverse a penalty, and seconds later Eben Etzebeth was over to extend the lead to 24-6.
Unlike their mesmerising comeback against New Zealand a week earlier, there were no late heroics this time even after replacement prop Thomas du Toit had been sent off in the 60th minute for a dangerous challenge on Luke Cowan-Dickie. Henry Slade dashed over in the 72nd minute - the same stage at which the 25-25 draw with the All Blacks was made possible - but pedestrian England had rarely threatened amid a lack of ideas or tempo in attack.
Relive all the action from Twickenham with our live blog below:
Wales 7-3 Australia, 15 minutes
Australia draw a penalty as they again earn possession back in Wales’ half.
But now the Wallabies will be forced into a change - yet more injury woe for Dave Rennie, and this time it is his skipper - James Slipper wears a pained expression as he exits, with Tom Robertson on.
Wales 7-3 Australia, 13 minutes
But that will be Tomos Williams’ last action for now - he is hauled off for an HIA with Kieran Hardy on in his place.
TRY! WALES 7-3 Australia (Jac Morgan, 10 minutes)
Jac Morgan bundles his way over!
This is a lovely score. Tomos Williams snipes, drawing two and still getting the arms free. Alun Wyn Jones strides on to the offload, in turn keeping the ball alive for his flanker rushing through with him.
Morgan lowers the shoulder and carries Allan Alaalatoa to the line.
Wales 0-3 Australia, 9 minutes
Joe Hawkins’ first carry in earnest is solid enough, taking a pass that drifts slightly behind him and managing to regather his momentum and keep his legs churning through contact.
Nifty forward handling briefly creates na overlap, but Australia regather. Only temporarily, though - here come Wales with penalty advantage...
Wales 0-3 Australia, 8 minutes
And Reece Hodge’s thumping right boot is a useful clearing option for Australia. He kicks up towards his own ten-metre line.
Wales 0-3 Australia, 7 minutes
Wales earn a penalty from the scrum, and kick down into the Australian 22.
The lineout is sharp and Taulupe Faletau comes stomping around the corner, stepping through the tackle of Fraser McReight.
Dillon Lewis adds his burly input, but Kieran Hardy gets his fingers in a muddle at the base of a breakdown and knocks on.
Wales 0-3 Australia, 5 minutes
Adams manages to hang on, somehow, allowing Wales their first possession of the encounter. It’s fluid enough from the hosts, but Gareth Anscombe loses his handle on the ball as he tries to explore on the right and it spills free from an Australian hand.
Wales 0-3 Australia, 4 minutes
Australia’s restart drill is better executed.
Boomfa! Langi Gleeson makes an indentation on the ribs of Josh Adams, thumping into the Welsh full back as he hares up in pursuit of a kick.
PENALTY! Wales 0-3 AUSTRALIA (Ben Donaldson, 3 minutes)
A pretty little draw in between the uprights. Australia on the board early.
Wales 0-0 Australia, 2 minutes
The first scrum is a messy old thing, too.
Matt Carley orders a reset, and Australia get a nudge on as they feed again. This time James Slipper draws an infringement from Dillon Lewis, and his gesture towards the posts will grant Ben Donaldson the opportunity to get the scoring underway.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments