South Africa produced a powerful performance to beat a dismal England side 27-13 in their Autumn Nations Series clash on Saturday.
Tries from Kurt-Lee Arendse and Eben Etzebeth, as well as three penalties and a conversion from Faf de Klerk and two conceded goals from Damian Willemse saw the Springboks to an impressive victory, avenging last year’s narrow defeat at Twickenham.
Although South Africa had substitute reporter Thomas du Toit red-carded for a dangerous tackle in the 60th minute, they calmly outplayed England, whose only try came late on through Henry Slade, as they ended their Autumn Nations series on a poor note.
As a sign of their displeasure, the home fans booed as the final whistle sounded.
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Unfortunately for South Africa’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus, he was not present to witness a comprehensive victory as he completed his two-match ban for criticizing referees over the past month.
Erasmus’ actions meant the half-time presentation, meant to mark Wayne Barnes’ 100th Test as a referee, was called off amid fears he could be offended after he was targeted online after watching the Springboks’ defeat by France.
It was clear early on that referee Angus Gardner was dealing with multiple reset scrums and extensive conversation from both sides keeping him busy.
A flurry of errors marked the first half and after De Klerk and Owen Farrell missed simple penalties, the half-time battle for the Springboks drew first blood.
Farrell missed a penalty and when Alex Coles was penalized for a second time, South Africa used their out to turn the screw with Siya Kolisi held over the line.
England were unable to break out of their own half and shortly after Willemse scored a drop goal, the Springboks fly-half launched a stunning counter-attack, starting in his own 22.
Accelerating into space and aided by a Freddie Steward block, he found Willie le Roux, who presented Arends one-on-one with Marcus Smith, who the Bulls winger finished through with his sheer pace.
Willemse was wreaking havoc as he broke free once again and after England were cautioned for repeated defensive offences, De Klerk extended their lead to 14-3.
Another missed goal from Willemse
England changed their entire forward line and also brought in winger Jack Nowell for the second half, but it didn’t matter to South Africa as Willemse scored another drop goal.
Farrell hit back with a penalty, but Jonny Hill’s moment of madness with De Klerk allowed the Springboks to attack and with Tom Curry sent off for a foul, Etzebet touched under the posts.
De Klerk converted and scored another three points, only for Du Toit to be given his marching orders.
England finally finished in the 72nd minute, Slade diving over to end a long-range move started by Nowell, but they had nothing left in the tank against a determined South Africa.
READ MORE: England player ratings: Forward pack completely destroyed by ferocious Springboks
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