England 37 South Africa 21: Eddie Jones’ side win thanks to Ben Youngs masterclass as England turn on style at Twickenham


ENGLAND ended 10 years of hurt by running in four superb tries against South Africa to remain the world’s only unbeaten side this year.

Notching their first win against the Springboks since 2006 Eddie Jones‘ men also took their winning run to 11 as they close in on the All Black’s record of 18.
England's Owen Farrell celebrates scoring their fourth try with team mates
England’s Owen Farrell celebrates scoring their fourth try with team mates
Reuters

Second-row Courtney Lawes piled in with his first ever Test try on his 50th cap and scrum-half Ben Youngs added some magic in the second half.


Keep up to date with ALL the latest rugby union news, gossip and rumours


George Ford touched down for try No2 following a superb break by his half-back partner Youngs as England laid down a marker for the autumn series.

But before the Red Rose flourished Springboks fly-half Pat Lambie announced himself at Twickenham as he took control of the early exchanges and kicked three penalties to punish England’s poor discipline.

Robshaw’s huge hit on Rudy Paige put England back on the charge and in control.

England's George Ford scores his side's third try during the Autumn International match
England’s George Ford scores his side’s third try during the Autumn International match
PA:Press Association
George Ford of England runs with the ball past a flailing South African defence
George Ford of England runs with the ball past a flailing South African defence
Getty Images

 

Jones’ men were soon holed up in the Springboks half and got their rewards when Farrell slotted the penalty to put them back ahead.

With the momentum shifting England pounced as Brown charged down a loose ball and Lawes got the crucial pressure on the spinning bar of soap for his first ever international try.

Farrell converted and then Daly added another three before the break with his booming left boot – knocking over a penalty from 51 metres.

Elliot Daly of England kicks a penalty, as he and Farrell scored most of the points with the boot
Elliot Daly of England kicks a penalty, as he and Farrell scored most of the points with the boot
Getty Images
It was a complete performance expertly led by head coach Eddie Jones
It was a complete performance expertly led by head coach Eddie Jones
AP:Associated Press

Youngs’ second show and go put giant flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit in a spin and Farrell took it home before converting.

This was England’s easiest chance in years to stick it to the Saffas – but they did it in style after a sluggish start.

PLAYER RATINGS

MIKE BROWN
Safe hands under high ball and charged after most kick-chases. Kept charge of the back-field like a pub bouncer.  Mark (out of 10) 7
MARLAND YARDE
Can't fault his commitment but skill still under question. Needs a big performance soon.  5
ELLIOT DALY
Brilliant 51-metre kick to open his account on his first start in and England shirt. Can kick on from here.   8
OWEN FARRELL
Kept scoreboard ticking over and spotted danger for Youngs to play him in for a try, just like he did for Ford. 7
JONNY MAY
Great comeback. Pure gas, pure class and a great way to reward Eddie Jones for his backing. 7
GEORGE FORD
Neat hands plus a solid kicking game with some great weighted grubbers, too. Deserved his try. 7
BEN YOUNGS
STAR MAN. Excellent sniping and silky hands and feet to break the Boks defence and set up Ford’s second-half try.   9
MAKO VUNIPOLA
Always looking for the ball in close quarters to make an impact. Rock solid in scrum.  7
DYLAN HARTLEY
Faultless at lineout. Got himself around the pitch and kept cool when Boks tried to rattle him. 7
DAN COLE
Shaky start and caught offside early but got better as the game went on.  6
JOE LAUNCHBURY
Superb on his first start since Six Nations opener. Never looked out of place. 8
COURTNEY LAWES
First England try on his 50th cap. Couple of good carries but also dropped a couple.   6
CHRIS ROBSHAW
Huge tackle on No 9 Paige got England on the charge. Picked up where he left off in Oz.  8
BILLY VUNIPOLA
Dented the Boks wall to drive his pack on whilst looking to make holes. 7
TOM WOOD
Ran himself into the ground and tackled hard but not as much impact with ball in hand.  7
REPS: Hughes (Wood 53) 5, J George (Hartley 57) 6, Marler (M Vunipola 62) 6, Joseph (May 62) 6, Care (Youngs 67) 5, Attwood (B Vunipola 70) 5, Te’o (Ford 70) 5, Sinckler (Cole 72) 5.
SOUTH AFRICA: Le Roux 7; Combrinck 7, Venter 7, De Allende 6, Pietersen 6; Lambie 8, Paige 6; Mtawarira 5, Strauss 5, Koch 6, Etzebeth 5, De Jager 6, Alberts 6, Whiteley 6, Du Toit 5. Reps: Mbonambi 5, Kitshoff 4, Adriaanse 5, Mostert 5, Carr 5, De Klerk 4, Goosen 6, Mapoe 4.


Leave a comment