South Africa vs England LIVE: Springboks wrap up series victory with 23-12 win over disappointing England
Follow the latest from the second Test in Bloemfontein
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 must beat South Africa in their second Test encounter in Bloemfontein or risk losing the summer series with a test to spare.
Eddie Jones has taken a gamble ahead of the match by handing Brad Shields his first start for England, having dropped Chris Robshaw from the matchday squad in the process, while he has also elected to bring Joe Launchbury straight back into the starting line-up following his recovery from a calf injury. Danny Cipriani also features, although the Gloucester-bound fly-half will have to wait for his international return as he named among the replacements.
South Africa meanwhile have made two changes in the hope of clinching yet another series victory over England. Pieter-Steph du Toit starts at flanker in place of Jean-Luc du Preez and Frans Malherbe returns at tighthead prop, with Wilco Louw dropping out of the squad. The match will also be a special occasion for loosehead prop Tendai Mtawarawira as he will win his 100th cap for the Springboks.
Follow the live action below...
Please allow a moment for the blog to load...
What time does it start?
South Africa vs England kicks off at 16:05 BST on Saturday 16 June.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action from 15:00 BST.
Teams
South Africa: Willie le Roux; S’busiso Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Aphiwe Dyantyi; Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk; Tendai Mtawawira, Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malberbe; RG Snyman, Franco Mostert; Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen.
Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Steven Kitschoff, Thomas du Toit, Jean-Luc du Preez, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Ivan van Zyl, Jesse Kriel, Warrick Gelant.
England: Elliot Daly; Jonny May, Henry Slade, Owen Farrell, Mike Brown; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Joe Marler, Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler; Maro Itoje, Joe Launchbury; Brad Shields, Tom Curry, Billy Vunipola.
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Joe Marler, Harry Williams, Mark Wilson, Nathan Hughes, Ben Spencer, Danny Cipriani, Denny Solomona.
A strange rendition of God Save The Queen is followed by Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika, which wins the anthem battle hands down as the thousands in attendance inside the Free State Stadium sing loud and proud.
2 mins: A good start for England as they win a penalty with De Klerk caught offside, and Ford fires up a high bomb for May and Le Roux to contest, with the England wing drawing a knock-on from the Springbok. A good location for this scrum with Youngs in possession of the ball.
4 mins: Intercept! De Allende snaffles the ball as England try to go wide and he's away! The centre picks off Youngs' pass o May and sprints all of 60m before an excellent tap-tackle from Farrell halts him. England then turn the ball back over and try to break, but knock it forwards. Looks like we've got another frantic encounter on our hands.
6 mins: South Africa try the chip in behind, but Brown fields the kick and from their own five-metre line they try to go on the opposite wing. Farrell whips a long pass to Daly who's away, but it's called forwards and South Africa have a five-metre scrum in dangerous territory.
7 mins: That's a massive let-off for England. Vunipola gets the better of Mtarawira and referee Romain Poite awards the penalty to England, releasing the pressure that had built up there as Farrell kicks to touch midway into his own half.
9 mins: Curry catches De Klerk dallying at the ruck and levels the scrum-half as he kicks possession away, drawing him into an error as he kicks out on the full.
10 mins: England are looking to spread it wide whenever they get the chance and as Farrell wraps round to create space, Mike Brown comes running onto the pass as the extra man to score his second in two weeks. Farrell converts and England lead. 0-7
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments