South Africa condemn England to fifth defeat in a row

South Africa have beaten England 23-12 to inflict the fifth defeat in a row on Eddie Jones’ side.

The result will pile further pressure on Jones, with questions already being asked as to whether he is the right man to lead England at the World Cup next year.

A year is a long time in sport. 12 months ago Jones was being hailed as England’s saviour after leading them to successive Six Nations title and a run of 22 wins in 23 Tests. This year, though, England finished fifth in the Six Nations before falling to the Barbarians last month and South Africa last week.

It started well for England when Mike Brown was put through by Jonny May before May added a second inside 13 minutes to put England 12 points ahead.

South Africa hit back through Duane Vermeulen after Tendai Mtawarira battered through the England defence.

England could not hold onto their lead going into halftime. The pack was penalised at a ruck and Handre Pollard fired the ball through the post from 57 metres to give South Africa a 13-12 halftime lead.

A penalty try was awarded 10 minutes after a restart when Kyle Sinckler fouled in the scrum to stretch South Africa’s lead to eight.

Brad Shields did go over on his first England start but replays showed that the ball was held up by Franco Mostert.

Pollard added three more after George Ford was penalised before Jack Hughes was sent to the sin-bin for senselessly knocking the ball out of Faf de Klerk’s hands while on the floor.

That sounded the death-knell for England despite Pollard missing with the boot as South Africa closed the game down with ease.