England go with heads held high
The Rugby Paper|October 22, 2023
ENGLAND did everything but win. They were ahead after two minutes and held on to the lead until there were two minutes to go, making the World Cup holders look ordinary for the most part but on a night when the rain made handling hazardous, the scrum proved decisive
PAUL REES
England go with heads held high

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.

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.

THE RUGBY PAPER DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
The Rugby Paper

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.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 10, 2024
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
The Rugby Paper

Dramatic late win boosts leaders

A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 10, 2024
England need to be more consistent
The Rugby Paper

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.

time-read
4 dak  |
November 10, 2024
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
The Rugby Paper

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.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 10, 2024
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
The Rugby Paper

Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions

TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 10, 2024
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
The Rugby Paper

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.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
The Rugby Paper

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.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 10, 2024
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
The Rugby Paper

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.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 10, 2024
When value for money is not part of the deal
The Rugby Paper

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.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 10, 2024
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
The Rugby Paper

'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.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 10, 2024