England vs South Africa LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as Springboks edge thriller
Steve Borthwick’s side have now lost five games in a row including the summer defeats to New Zealand
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Your support makes all the difference.Two irresistible tries by winger Cheslin Kolbe helped South Africa team to a 29-20 victory over England at Twickenham on Saturday and though the home crowd was treated to a fantastic match, it meant a fifth successive defeat for Steve Borthwick’s men.
It was 19-17 to the world champion Springboks at the break after a breathless, five-try first half full of attacking intent from both sides.
Ollie Sleightholme put England ahead, but three tries in 10 minutes by Grant Williams, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kolbe silenced Twickenham, only for Sam Underhill to power over for the hosts.
A penalty for Marcus Smith briefly had England ahead but a Handre Pollard penalty and winger Kolbe’s explosive second try made it 29-20 and South Africa showed all their usual doggedness to keep the hosts at arm’s length in the final 15 minutes.
Follow all the latest reaction from the Allianz Stadium below:
England 17-19 South Africa
35 mins
That’ll do his confidence the world of good, Steward gathering from a high ball, a real test that one, as the Springboks sniffed an opening in midfield.
And another! But this time he eats up the ground, Steward with a dink over the time, Libbok desperately trying to beat Freeman in a foot race. A kind bounce saves the Boks but England are alive as half-time approaches.
The Boks have the kicking advantage so far, an average of 31.4m versus England’s 23m.
England 17-19 South Africa
33 mins
Fassi with a big, arching kick to Smith and he’ll try collect it, but Smith gathers and sends England on their way, bumping into the Springboks’ No. 15 and turning the tables nicely.
He then joins in after Freeman goes back inside, sidestepping Kolisi.
There’s a problem for Ox Nche, it’s an injury and he hobbles off to make way for Steenekamp.
England 17-19 South Africa
30 mins
Arendse with a crunching tackle on Lawrence in a match defined by these violent collisions so far.
England responding well to that blitz from the Boks and well poised after a breathtaking 30 minutes.
Williams jinking and diving inside to leave England scrambling, but Freeman is there to cover and delivers some heat.
TRY! England 17-19 South Africa (Underhill)
26 mins
TRY ENGLAND! Underhill responds with a bruising carry, three Springboks collide with him, but he stumbles over the line and that’s a superb response.
Smith with the extra and England are within two points.
TRY! England 10-19 South Africa (Kolbe)
22 mins
TRY! South Africa poised just a few meters from the try line as England bend but don’t break, but that’s magic from Williams.
The vision to kick out wide to the spare man Kolbe, and the catch is solid, then the step inside of Steward and a dash inside to score closer to the posts.
Libbok with the extras form out wide and England, suddenly, right up against it and down by two scores.
TRY! England 10-12 South Africa (Du Toit)
16 mins
TRY! Oh no, England! Two blocks from the Boks and they punish England!
First Van Poortvliet is charged down by Etzebeth’s sprawling paws.
Then Smith scurries around the corner to pick up the pieces, but his kick meets the big hands of Du Toit, a kind bounce and he collects for the score, a nightmare for England.
England 10-7 South Africa (Smith)
15 mins
Smith knocks over England’s first penalty in a convenient reply for the hosts after that magic try from the Boks.
Immense composure and a small lead once more.
TRY! England 7-7 South Africa (Williams)
11 mins
TRY! Grant Williams with a piece of magic to match Smith earlier, the jinking run sends Steward sprawling and he goes over to strike back for the Boks.
Libbok has no problem with the extras there, we’re all level. A sensational try from the world champions.
TRY! England 7-0 South Africa
7 mins
A first rendition of swing low, sweet chariot rings around Twickenham...
And don’t the home fans love that. Sloppy from Libbok, who fumbles the ball forward and England are away again.
Steward unafraid to launch himself into the high ball, but knocks on there. South Africa now sustaining a spell of possession, Lawrence with a crunching tackle on Eztebeth.
TRY! England 7-0 South Africa
4 mins
TRY ENGLAND!
You have to say that is quite magnificent from Marcus Smith, the drop goal is on, but he turns it down, flips the field and scurries into space, popping the ball off for a three vs two.
Sleightholme out wide and finishes with aplomb. Smith with the extras and that’s the perfect start for England!
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