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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Your support makes all the difference.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:
England 13-27 South Africa, 75 minutes
Angus Gardner calls the burly blokes in for a huddle - a chat between the referee and both front rows with the set-up still not right five minutes frm time.
South Africa win a penalty on the re-engagement.
England 13-27 South Africa, 73 minutes
England toss the ball hither and thither inside their own 22, searching for a hint of space. Manu Tuilagi goes it alone, biffing back one tackler and trying to offload for Henry Slade looping out the back, but throwing his pass behind the replacement. Slade slaps it down to himself, but it travels forward from his hand - South Africa scrum.
England 13-27 South Africa, 72 minutes
De Klerk will go off on the motorised cart, leg wrapped in a protective orange sleeve. Jaden Hendrikse is on - let us hope that De Klerk’s injury is not as bad as that looks like it might be.
Siya Kolisi has also been led from the field - the South Africa captain hovers on the touchline as the medics discuss what to do. It appears that Kolisi requires an HIA; Evan Roos returns in his place with Kolisi rightly told he cannot continue.
England 13-27 South Africa, 72 minutes
South Africa will have to play the rest of this game without Faf de Klerk - the scrum half has run himself into the ground with a quite brilliant performance. His busy left leg appears to have paid for his efforts, De Klerk removing boot and sock and the cart on to help him from the field if required.
TRY! ENGLAND 13-27 South Africa (Henry Slade try, 72 minutes)
And his great Exeter mate Henry Slade benefits Nowell’s break!
England earn a penalty, which Ben Youngs taps quickly. Youngs feeds Owen Farrell, who is dragged down from behind a metre or so out. Slade steps in at first receiver, jinking inside to flop over the line.
Farrell converts - it couldn’t happen again, could it?...
England 6-27 South Africa, 71 minutes
Jack Nowell! England turn the ball over and kick across to the replacement wing, who shows remarkable strength and accleration to ride a challenge and then race up, shedding two more Springboks to enter the 22.
England 6-27 South Africa, 69 minutes
Frans Malherbe and Steven Kitshoff tighten the screw with another scrum penalty.
England 6-27 South Africa, 66 minutes
And while the All Blacks collapsed with 14 men a week ago, the Springboks look rather gnarlier. Malcolm Marx is twice a jackaling presence in the space of four rucks, coming up with a holding on penalty from his second scavenge through a fallen English carcass.
England 6-27 South Africa, 66 minutes
Another lineout error from England! The throw, and cahnce, goes awry.
England 6-27 South Africa, 65 minutes
South Africa are penalised at the maul. England play with advantage, Henry Slade (on for Marcus Smith) pulling out the back for Owen Farrell, who does likewise to Freddie Steward...tackled on the outside arc! England wil have to try again from the penalty.
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