England held their own when props Joe Marler and Dan Cole were on the field, but when they departed within three minutes of each other, the set-piece turned into penalties for South Africa who trailed by nine points with 11 minutes to go in a game which was largely fought in between the 22s.
Two scrum penalties proved decisive, South Africa’s scoring the game’s only try from the first and turning the second into three points which took them into the leads for the first time in the match.
It was desperately hard on England who were not expected to trouble South Africa but led by Owen Farrell, whose 15 points included a 48-metre drop goal, they fought for everything and fought the game on their own terms , kicking from hand 41 times and passing on 76 occasions, undone only at the very end.
South Africa were left guessing from the very start of the match when England kicked short to contest. The underdogs were into detail, competing at the lineouts and disconcerting hooker Bongi Mbonambi whose first throw was intercepted by Maro Itoje and the second, after intricate choreography, was crooked.
The holders were sucked into a game that was not of their choosing. England may had the less hazardous route into the semi-finals, but they had the mentality of underdogs, battling for everything and allowing South Africa no time on the ball.
There was little rugby played in the rain with England kicking almost as much as they passed in the first half, but the slow pace suited them more than South Africa who were quickly left to reflect on their selection.
Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin October 22, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin October 22, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
ALEX Cuthbert says the pressure on Wales is huge ahead of their opening Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji today.
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.