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.”
Wales 26-28 Australia
Rhys Priestland will have the kick from a slight angle, 25 metres out...
Wales 26-28 Australia
81 mins: PENALTY WALES! The can’t get over the line but they will have a kick to win it!
Wales 26-28 Australia
80 mins: Davies and Williams carry Wales to five metres! The clock is in the red!
Wales 26-28 Australia
79 mins: Beale almost had a break after collecting the high ball, but Wales were able to tackle him as he picked up his stride and they have the ball back!
Wales 26-28 Australia (Beale pen 78’)
Incredible! Somehow, Australia lead after Beale nails the kick from just inside the Wales half! Wales have just two minutes to hit back!
Wales 26-25 Australia
76 mins: Australia couldn’t the keep the ball for long, but the Wallabies win a penalty just as Wales were looking to build up the phases! Will Skelton makes the crucial strip on the halfway line, and Beale will kick for goal!
Wales 26-25 Australia
74 mins: Wales return to the Australia half but the ball is spilled on following a break from Basham. Wales then give away a penalty on the Australia 22, and O’Connor kicks to halfway.
TRY! Wales 26-25 Australia (Daugunu 71’)
DRAMA! That is brilliant from Australia, who hit back just as Gareth Thomas’ sin-bin came to an end. It came after a wonderful break from Paisami, who was hauled down yards from the posts. Australia kept the ball and worked it wide, where Filipo Daugunu finished in the corner.
O’Connor strikes the upright with the kick, so Wales stay in front! But what a finish we have in store now.
Wales 26-20 Australia
68 mins: Liam Williams is given a test as he chases back to defend a kick from Iktiau. The ball bounces up and catches Williams by surprise, with Beale breathing down his neck. Williams is able to protect the ball and Wales regather, before Australia concede a needless penalty that relieves the pressure and allows Wales to clear.
Wales 26-20 Australia (Biggar pen 66’)
65 mins: Australia make a handling error straight from the restart, and that sees Wales dial up the pressure.
It comes back for a penalty after Paisami crunches Adams off the ball - and Biggar stays perfect from the tee to extend Wales’ lead.
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