England were shell-shocked. Never mind the gap, onlookers were marvelling at a sheer chasm in class between the two teams.
And this was a Springbok side that many had expected to start slowly.
South Africa’s last meaningful match was in November.
They have a lengthy injury list with the late withdrawal of captain Siya Kolisi and second row Eben Etzebeth, adding to the absence of star fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, forward mainstays Franco Mostert, Lood de Jager, RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Frans Malherbe and others.
The Springboks didn’t even get a chance to press their traditional scrum supremacy until the 21st minute.
But none of it mattered. South Africa were too skilful individually, too connected as a collective for England to make an imprint.
Ellis Genge and George Martin’s try-scoring rumbles, which cut the Boks lead to three at half-time, raised false hopes of an England comeback before the break
The Boks duly restored rugby’s new world order after the break.
“The second half was hardly a contest,” said former England fly-half Paul Grayson on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“England never got a foothold in the game and because of that their attack was bits and pieces.
“South Africa smashed the door down, rarely played more than a couple of phases but squeezed the life out of England. They were uncomplicated and uncompromising.”
Perhaps no side could have matched the double reigning world champions in such brilliantly belligerent mood.
But plenty will feel that England should have been closer to doing so.
Opting for Marcus Smith, an excellent and versatile player, but not a specialist full-back, at 15 after the late withdrawal of George Furbank did not settle the backfield defence.
Tommy Freeman, one of England’s best players in the air, remained in his less accustomed outside centre role.
Too often the Boks took to the air and returned with the ball, with the superb Damian Willemse ruling the skies.
England had promised to play ‘big’, mixing physical bravery with tactical daring. It was there, but only in parts.
All three England tries – with Henry Slade’s excellent kamikaze angle into the heart of the Bok defence followed up by a smart mispass to Alex Coles to cross for their final score – showed that intent.
One early passage with Fin Smith and Ben Earl combining well and Jack van Poortvliet finding his man with a one-handed offload round the back of tackler carved through the hosts.
But the attacking ambition and accuracy wavered across the contest.
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