England lose to Springboks at HQ
It was all about penalties in the first half with little but no try-scoring opportunity for neither side.
Springboks‘ fly-half Pat Lambie was successful on three occasions from the tee against two from Toby Flood to see South Africa was leading 9-6 at the break.
South Africa had a very good start on the second half and luck came their way when Willem Alberts collected a lose kick to dive from close range increase the lead to 10 points.
But England didn’t give up and, in difficult conditions, took the game to the Springboks.
They were dominant to put themselves in the right part of the field but committed to many mistakes.
Owen Farrel brought England within four points with two penalties but with one minute to go, the nightmares of last week came to haunt them.
England was awarded a penalty and, while the lineout seemed to be the only option to go, Chris Robshaw pointed to the posts.
Farrell reduced the deficit to a single point but England couldn’t control the restart.
South Africa secured the lineout throw and the game was over.
Read the full report and analysis of the game from Nick Cain in tomorrow’s edition of The Rugby Paper.
You can also relive all the action here.
