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.”
England vs South Africa: Marcus Smith reacts to ‘special’ win
“I can’t believe it, this was the game we wanted to target. The boys bought in, we got close as a group. This was a massive part of our journey. To beat the world champions at home was special.
“It’s a day I’ll never forget. It was mental, having to wait so long. It delayed everything and made it more nerve-racking. I was told, ‘back yourself, believe in yourself,’ it was brilliant.
“It was slow motion to me. Retrieving the kick-off, they came hard, to celebrate at the end was special, this group will never forget that day.
“It’s everything I wanted growing up as a kid, growing up in Asia, it goes down to family. They keep me grounded. Them people around me is special, I'll keep working."
Wales vs Australia
After England’s stunning over the world champions at Twickenham, the action continues as Wales host Australia at a packed Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Wales survived a scare by 14-man Fiji last weekend and Wayne Pivac’s side are looking to finish their November with a statement win after falling to defeats to New Zealand and South Africa.
Australia, meanwhile, are out to avoid a third defeat in a row, following losses in Edinburgh and London.
It should be a cracker!
FT: England 27-26 South Africa
You don’t win too many games of international rugby conceding 18 penalties. There were times in that second half where it felt like South Africa were about to surge away as momentum swung solely the way of the Springboks, but England just about hung on to dagged them at the death.
FULL TIME! ENGLAND 27-26 SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi, who is always so impressively magnanimous in defeat:
“We’re disappointed with the loss but it was a great game. It’s a pity that we couldn’t finish strong but I’m proud of the boys. We just made a couple of mistakes.
“We never make excuses - I’m proud of how the boys have done this year. We’ve been so lucky to play.”
FULL TIME! ENGLAND 27-26 SOUTH AFRICA
Incredible scenes at Twickenham! Freddie Steward is the player of the match.
“To be honest I was just thinking, ‘Marcus, please don’t miss!’” he says. “We dug in, we fought. They are so physical. It’s an unbelievable win.
“In those one-point games, when you win the emotion just comes out.
“The last time we played South Africa I was in the student bar! If you said to be then that I’d be out on the pitch I wouldn’t believe you.”
England 27-26 South Africa, 80 minutes
Freddie Steward leaps, tumbles...PENALTY TO ENGLAND! SOUTH AFRICA CRASH INTO THE FULL-BACK IN THE AIR AND THAT WILL SEAL IT FOR ENGLAND!
PENALTY! ENGLAND 27-26 South Africa (Marcus Smith, 80 minutes)
TWICKENHAM ROARS! It’s between the posts! South Africa will restart but England lead with time expiring!
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