South Africa ran in seven tries in a brutal 45-21 victory over England in their Nations Championship opener in Johannesburg.
England were staring another ominous defeat in the face from the moment tries from Thomas du Toit, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse saw the Springboks storm into a 17-point lead inside 12 minutes at Ellis Park.
England valiantly clawed themselves back into contention, reducing the deficit to three points by half-time after stunning solo finishes from prop Ellis Genge and lock George Martin.
But South Africa ruthlessly reasserted their authority, with tries from Grant Williams and Jesse Kriel inside 16 minutes of the restart.
Late scores from Malcolm Marx and Ben-Jason Dixon put a depleted England – reduced to 13 men after Tommy Freeman and Guy Pepper were shown yellow cards – further to the sword, underscoring the Springboks’ dominance.
More to follow.
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