England outclassed at home by South Africa

Sat, Nov 26, 2022, 11:35 PM
AAP
by AAP
South Africa have cruised to victory over England. Photo: Getty Images
South Africa have cruised to victory over England. Photo: Getty Images

England suffered a humiliating defeat by South Africa at Twickenham as they lost a repeat of the 2019 World Cup final 27-13.

Eddie Jones' men delivered the worst performance of an autumn campaign consisting of a solitary victory over Japan as the 14-man Springboks, inspired by half-backs Faf de Klerk and Damian Willemse, dominated.

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By the end of Saturday's first half, England had spent only six seconds in the opposition 22 and their backline had been 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. Seconds later, Eben Etzebeth was over to extend the lead to 24-6.

Unlike their mesmerising comeback to force a draw 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 but pedestrian England had rarely threatened amid a lack of ideas or tempo in attack.

In contrast, the Springboks lit up Twickenham on an otherwise drab evening by running in a sensational try through Kurt-Lee Arendse, prompted by Willemse's brilliance.

Home fans booed when the final whistle sounded.

Unfortunately for South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus, he was not present to witness a comprehensive victory as he completed a two-match ban for criticising referees during the Autumn Nations Series.

Erasmus' actions meant a half-time presentation to mark Wayne Barnes' 100th Test as a referee was cancelled out of fear he might receive abuse after he was targeted online having overseen the Springboks' defeat by France.

It was clear early on that Gardner had a job on his hands with multiple reset scrums and extensive back chat from both sides.

Shortly after Willemse landed a drop goal, the Springboks fly-half launched a stunning counter-attack starting on his own 22.

Accelerating into space, he found Willie le Roux, who presented Arendse with a one-on-one against Marcus Smith that the wing completed through his sheer pace. De Klerk increased the lead to 14-3.

England changed their entire front row and also brought on wing Jack Nowell for the second half but it made no difference as Willemse booted another drop goal.

Farrell replied with a penalty but Hill's moment of madness with De Klerk allowed the Springboks to attack. England's Tom Curry was then sent to the sin-bin for a ruck offence and Etzebeth touched down under the posts.

De Klerk converted and rifled over another three points, only for Du Toit to receive his marching orders.

England were finally over in the 72nd minute, Slade darting over to end a long-range move started by Nowell, but they had nothing left in the tank against a resolute South Africa.

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