England vs South Africa LIVE: Rugby result, final score and reaction from 2021 Autumn Nations Series
Eddie Jones’ side got some revenge against the world champion Springboks
England welcomed South Africa to Twickenham on Saturday afternoon in a mouthwatering rematch of the World Cup final two years on.
Fly-half Marcus Smith landed a last-minute penalty to snatch a 27-26 win as the hosts looked full of early promise but were hauled back by the battling Springboks in the teams’ first meeting since the 2019 showpiece.
England fashioned excellent early tries for Manu Tuilagi and Freddie Steward but were penalised relentlessly and four penalties for Handre Pollard kept South Africa within five points at the break.
The Springboks edged clear in the second half and, after tries by Raffie Quirke for England and Makazole Mapimpi for the Springboks, a Fran Steyne penalty put the visitors two points ahead with six minutes to go. England, though, mustered one final attack and earned a penalty on the 22 that Smith smashed over.
With star youngsters like Smith, Steward and Quirke breaking through across a fruitful autumn, Jones admitted the quest for the 2023 World Cup title hurtles ever closer. Asked if this autumn series represents a new England era, coach Eddie Jones replied: “Yes, we said in the summer that the Lions tour draws a line in the sand, and that you need to regenerate and have a little bit of a rebirth to go to the World Cup.
“There’s some good players coming through but we’ve got some pretty good experienced players too. They feel comfortable within themselves, they want to be together, they want to work together. Our stated aim is to win the World Cup, so we want to be better in the next campaign.”
Wales 3-7 Australia
14 mins: Australia carry the ball well following the line out and work it to the opposite wing thanks to a powerful run from Beale. Wales win the ball back at the breakdown through as the support for Beale was lacking.
Wales 3-7 Australia
13 mins: That’s another good scrum from Australia. They put Wales under pressure and force the penalty, as Nic White kicks for touch.
Wales 3-7 Australia
11 mins: Wales keep the ball from the lineout but are unable to gain ground. Tomos Williams plays a loose pass and it’s spilled on by Seb Davies.
Wales 3-7 Australia
10 mins: Wales are able to regather and force Australia back inside, where they win the penalty in the breakdown. James Slipper is penalised for a neck roll on Basham, and Biggar kicks Wales up the pitch.
Wales 3-7 Australia
8 mins: Taine Basham rips the ball out of the Australia pack and the Wallabies then knock it on.
It takes a couple of attempts to set the scrum, but it’s a good one from Australia and they quickly work it wide towards Beale.
Wales 3-7 Australia (Biggar pen 6’)
Frustration for Australia as they immediately concede a penalty from the restart - Izack Rodda obstructing the ball.
Dan Biggar converts the kick from the angle. Bit of a gift, that, but Wales will take it.
TRY! Wales 0-5 Australia (KELLAWAY 2’)
What a start from Australia! It’s a brilliant try - sparked by a bruising carry from Taniela Tupou. Hunter Paisami slips a lovely disguised kick through the Wales defence on a penalty advantage, and Andrew Kellaway beats Liam Williams to touch the ball down.
Wales vs Australia
We’re all set to go in Cardiff after another rousing rendition of Land of my Fathers.
The atmosphere is buzzing at the Principality, and kick off is next!
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