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
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
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 0-0 South Africa, 8 minutes
Angus Gardner whistles England’s way again with South Africa’s midfield up too soon at the lineout. Owen Farrell will seek to succeed where Faf de Klerk failed...
England 0-0 South Africa, 7 minutes
Maro Itoje hits Marvin Orie as the lock lands after taking another English drop-kick, this time from the 22, and in pile a clutch of English forwards in support to earn a penalty.
Missed penalty! England 0-0 South Africa, 6 minutes
An unfortunate slip for Faf de Klerk right as he makes contact with his left peg. The ball is thus pushed away - three points gone for South Africa.
England 0-0 South Africa, 4 minutes
Mako Vunipola comes under pressure from Malherbe once more and slips his bind. Penalty to South Africa - Faf de Klerk is on kicking duties and takes the tee.
England 0-0 South Africa, 3 minutes
Mako Vunipola fails to take the heat of the hit from Frans Malherbe, and is duly free kicked.
Faf de Klerk gives brief thought to taking a quick tap, but is soon back in position to feed as his forwards get ready to scrum again.
England 0-0 South Africa, 2 minutes
The rarest of aerial errors from Freddie Steward draws a shocked gasp from the Twickenham crowd, the England full back taking his eye off the ball at the last moment as South Africa chased hard up the left.
The Springboks will have the scrum feed 35 metres from the England line.
England 0-0 South Africa, 1 minute
A lifted Marvin Orie takes a hanging kick off very competently, and Faf de Klerk kicks long upfield.
Marcus Smith returns with his own hoist, with Willie Le Roux taking nicely.
England turnover possession! Kyle Sinckler rushes up into the South African 22, but Franco Mostert is swiftly in to win back the ball.
Off we go!
Right - to action. England are in white, South Africa in green.
Owen Farrell will kick things off.
Doddie Weir passes away
Two fine anthems here at Twickenham, but some rather sad news has landed just before kick off, with Scotland confirming that the great Doddie Weir has passed away. A titan on and off the pitch - our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments