England 13-27 South Africa: Thomas Du Toit sent off the Springboks in a win that completes a bad autumn for England
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England collapsed in their first defeat to South Africa at Twickenham in 8 years when an autumn of crushing sadness ended in a 27-13 thrashing.
Eddie Jones’ men delivered the worst performance of a crusade that consisted of a solitary victory over Japan as the 14-man Springboks, cheered on by media outlets Faf de Klerk and Damian Willemse, ruled the rematch of the 2019 World Cup final.
By the end of the first half, England had spent just six seconds in opposition 22 with their baseline reduced to virtual spectators due to a host of family mistakes and disciplinary issues. The silliest moment came shortly after half-time when Jonny Hill shot De Klerk off a ruck, prompting referee Angus Gardner to overturn a penalty and, seconds later, Eben Etzebeth came close to extinguishing the lead at 24-6.
Unlike his fascinating comeback against New Zealand a week earlier, there was no delayed heroism this time, even after replacement pillar Thomas du Toit was sent off in the 60th minute for a damaging challenge to Luke Cowan-Dickie. Henry Slade raced in the 72nd minute, the same level at which the 25-25 draw with the All Blacks became imaginable, but pedestrian England had rarely threatened for lack of concepts or rhythm in attack.
Relive all the action at Twickenham with our blog below:
How long term for England? There are some who saw the speed today, with the front and back rows unable to adapt to South Africa’s physics, and Jonny Hill generated at least two moments of impetuous stupidity amid wider field problems under pressure. effect he would have liked in his 50th game for England: autumn was not impressive for the centre.
Another notable feature to crown an extraordinary season abroad for Eben Etzebeth: I don’t think his visit deserves to have been held. He embodies this South African team so much and was almost flawless that night.
Big boos from the Twickenham crowd as South Africa kicked the stands to send us to the end. For the first time Eddie Jones, England have lost twice in a single autumn: they end 2022 with six defeats and many disorders entering a World Cup Year of cup.
South Africa have just overcome them today, with too many mistakes of the house team: in the air and from the tee at the beginning, and more in the set piece at all times. It’s a practical win for the Springboks, their first opponent to England at Twickenham since 2014, and a true reminder of how formidable this package can be, even if it lacks some key gears.
But after blowing and blowing internally his own 22, the referees detect a damaging clearance from Jonny Hill (who will not like this match). He was indifferent to Hill, needlessly lifting a South African beyond the horizontal and depositing him in a ruck. .
As it will now be a small surprise, South Africa won a penalty in the scrum.
They crave some other adventure from within their own half, and bet without delay. Damian Willemse plays the intrepid explorer, going alone among the retreating English tacklers, and then unleashing an ambitious volley through the back door, which falls out of South African hands. The merit had passed – England will be for consolation.
But England’s mistakes were much, too consistent tonight, specifically in the shot from the spot: Luke Cowan-Dickie pounces on the shot in the back jump, but his shot deflects some distance from the line.
South Africa were offside in the midfield of the lineup.
Interestingly, South Africa found themselves on purpose in the first phase, giving England a shutdown on the goal line, as the hosts won a penalty.
Will Stuart lies down after the collapse, awkwardly holding his arm opposite his abdomen as they help him up. It looks like the bathroom accessory will face a spell on the sidelines after quickly recovering to perform in England this fall.
South Africa are pleased to take a scrum in the corner as they look to fully dash England’s hopes of being resurrected repeatedly.
Thomas Du Toit sent off for his damaging hit on Luke Cowan-Dickie
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