South Africa vs England LIVE: Springboks win 10-try Ellis Park thriller to stretch English losing streak
Follow the latest from the first Test at Ellis Park
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 begin their summer tour against South Africa on Saturday in the first Test at Ellis Park, a stadium where the red rose has not emerged triumphant in 46 years.
Eddie Jones sends his side into the match looking to end their four-game losing streak, having suffered three straight losses in the Six Nations and losing to the Barbarians a fortnight ago. They are also without their captain, Dylan Hartley, due to concussion as Owen Farrell takes over the leadership duties. Mike Brown starts on the wing with Elliot Daly at full-back, while New Zealand-born flanker Brad Shields is among the replacements and could make his international debut.
South Africa meanwhile will make history as Stormers flanker Siya Kolisi becomes the first black player to captain the Springboks, and does so wearing the No 6 shirt that became so famous when Nelson Mandela wore it during the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
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.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event 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 Mtawarira, Bongi Mbonambi, Trevor Nyakane; RG Snyman, Franco Mostert; Siya Kolisi, Jean-Luc Du Preez, Duane Vermeulen.
Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Steven Kitshoff, Wilco Louw, Pieter-Steph du Toit,Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Ivan van Zyl, Elton Jantjies, 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, Nick Isiekwe; Chris Robshaw, Tom Curry, Billy Vunipola.
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Joe Marler, Harry Williams, Brad Shields, Nathan Hughes, Ben Spencer, Piers Francis, Denny Solomona.
40 mins: There's just enough time for the restart, which leads to an immediate penalty as Mako Vunipola latches onto the ball that isn't released. Farrell will go for goal to cut the lead to two points at half-time.
40 mins: Farrell kicks the penalty and that's half-time with the score 29-27 in South Africa's favour.
What. A. Half!
Half-time: Pick the bones out of that! A simply astonishing half of rugby comes to a close and we've already been treated to a feast of tries - seven in total - and some brilliant attacking play. There's also been plenty of downright disgraceful defending, and another early Eddie Jones replacement as Nick Isiekwe's removal did not appear to be through injury. Oh this game can be brutal, but it can also be breath-taking.
41 mins: The Springboks pick up where they left off as Pollard breaks the tackle and offloads to Snyman, who gallops all of 50m before being hauled down. The ball comes loose but Snyman regathers and Le Roux then chips over, but Youngs is back to field the kick. There's a knock-on in there though so South Africa have the scrum.
44 mins: Another try for South Africa goes begging! They spread from right to left, but Daly spots the danger in his Wasps teammate Le Roux and he sprints up to hit his rival full-back at full pelt, forcing his pass forward and meaning that the unmarked Dyanti is unable to collect and go over for a certain try.
47 mins: There's a concern here for England with Tom Curry down and holding his left calf, which has bothered him twice in the last few minutes. He's receiving treatment as South Africa replace both props with Mtawarira and Nyakane off and Steven Kitschoff and Wilco Louw on in their place.
49 mins: Itoje gives away a penalty when he's trapped at the base in tackling Vermuelen and pinged for not rolling, and Pollard will kick for goal from 52m out. His effort has the legs...but it flashes past the uprights and England breathe a sigh of relief. Du Preez now leaves the field and Pieter-Steph du Toit is on.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments