England vs South Africa LIVE rugby: Final score and result as Springboks down sub-par England despite red card
England 13-27 South Africa: Thomas Du Toit sent off but Springboks cruise to a win that completes a poor autumn for England
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England collapsed to their first defeat by South Africa at Twickenham for eight years as an autumn of crushing disappointment concluded with a 27-13 rout.
Eddie Jones’ men delivered the worst performance of a campaign consisting of a solitary victory over Japan as the 14-man Springboks, inspired by half-backs Faf de Klerk and Damian Willemse, dominated the rematch of the 2019 World Cup final.
By the end of the first half, England had spent only six seconds in the opposition 22 with their backline reduced to virtual bystanders by a vast error count and the familiar disciplinary issues. The most brainless moment arrived shortly after the break when Jonny Hill flung De Klerk out of a ruck, prompting referee Angus Gardner to reverse a penalty, and seconds later Eben Etzebeth was over to extend the lead to 24-6.
Unlike their mesmerising comeback against New Zealand a week earlier, there were no late heroics this time even after replacement prop Thomas du Toit had been sent off in the 60th minute for a dangerous challenge on Luke Cowan-Dickie. Henry Slade dashed over in the 72nd minute - the same stage at which the 25-25 draw with the All Blacks was made possible - but pedestrian England had rarely threatened amid a lack of ideas or tempo in attack.
Relive all the action from Twickenham with our live blog below:
Wales 34-18 Australia, 66 minutes
Australia launch a long clearance up field.
Intercepted! A smart intervention from Pete Samu, shooting out of the line to snare the pass as Wales look to attack near halfway.
Samu can’t quite keep his feet, stumbling as he takes it and then eventually hitting the deck. Australia then opt to kick the ball away with support to the wide outside on the right lacking.
Wales 34-18 Australia, 65 minutes
The Welsh forwards traipse up to the five-metre line in the right corner.
This time, they can’t capitalise, their close-in attack quickly disjointed and the ball soon knocked on.
Wales 34-18 Australia, 64 minutes
Wales get a nudge on and win yet another penalty at the scrum.
Wales 34-18 Australia, 62 minutes
Vital tackle from Tate McDermott! Ned Hanigan’s pass is in front of his Australian teammate, and bounces invitingly for Rio Dyer. The runway seemingly clears for Dyer, who readies himself for take off, but McDermott manages to dive low and grab the landing gear to prevent Dyer racing away. Australia then knock on contesting at the ruck.
Wales 34-18 Australia, 61 minutes
That’s slightly loose from Josh Adams, skewing a punt off the outside of his right boot and sending it tumbling down some five yards over the touchline. Australian possession inside the Welsh half.
Wales 34-18 Australia, 60 minutes
Australia just about clear Wales’ front jumper to connect at the lineout, allowing McDermott a second chance at a clearance. The replacement scrum half produces a rather better effort.
Wales look to attack blind, but Kieran Hardy spills an offload just as the tramline starts to look vacant.
Wales 34-18 Australia, 59 minutes
Dillon Lewis departs after a strong afternoon of scrummaging work; Tomas Francis makes his return on the Welsh tighthead.
Australia take the restart well enough.
Charge down! Adam Beard lifts his long limbs high to block Tate McDermott’s box kick, but can’t quite gather the loose ball on the hop, and Jac Morgan then trundles it into touch of his knee.
TRY! Wales 34-18 AUSTRALIA (Mark Nawaqanitawse try, 58 minutes)
Hope for Australia!
With penalty advantage, the Wallabies play to the left. Noah Lolesio churns his feet, inviting the defence forward and then pulling back for Len Ikitau. Ikitau shifts onwards to Mark Nawaqanitawase, who fixes Alex Cuthbert with snaking hips, creating the sliver of space he needs to dive over in the corner.
Wales 34-13 Australia, 56 minutes
And Priestland is swiftly to work, scampering back to collect an Australian toe ahead, and forced over his own line.
Wales 34-13 Australia, 55 minutes
It appears both sides will be bringing on new fly-halves - Noah Lolesio is stripped and ready for Australia.
Gareth Anscombe sucks on some oxygen as he is helped from the field, arm in a makeshift sling. Another unfortunate injury for a player with such wretched luck.
Wales have two tens from which to pick on the bench - Rhys Priestland is on ahead of Sam Costelow.
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