England not solely did not beat a South Africa crew robbed of 9 first-choice stars however produced one other stunning show at Twickenham to conclude an terrible autumn marketing campaign.
These two groups met within the closing of the final World Cup. Statistically talking, that instructed England and South Africa had been the No 1 and No 2 groups on this planet on the finish of 2019. Lots has modified since then and this recreation proved it.
The Springboks absolutely deserved to raise the William Webb Ellis Cup 4 years in the past. Their defeat of England in that Yokohama closing was scientific and spectacular. England didn’t hearth that day.
England trudge off the pitch after their embarrassing 13-27 defeat to South Africa on Saturday
Jones goes to cop a variety of warmth within the subsequent few days – he needs to be beneath extreme stress
Since that recreation in Japan, Eddie Jones’ facet has regressed badly. In his newest guide, head coach Jones talks about his plan to ‘flip England into the world’s biggest crew.’
The truth is that proper now, they’re nowhere close to attaining that goal.
Their newest defeat got here by the hands of a reserve South Africa facet.
The Springboks had been with out Handre Pollard, Cheslin Kolbe, Lukhanyo Am, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Koch, Lood de Jager and Duane Vermeulen for this recreation because of a mix of harm and unavailability. This recreation befell out of World Rugby’s designated Take a look at window that means South Africa’s foreign-based stars couldn’t play. It mattered little.
The primary half summed up all the things that’s improper with England and Take a look at rugby at present.
England’s tactical kicking was past poor. Owen Farrell missed two penalties he would usually slot in his sleep. Farrell’s frustration at lacking his second week was greater than apparent.
Eddie Jones might be allowed to hold on as he likes but once more – he will not be relieved from his place as head coach
Freddie Steward made uncharacteristic errors of his personal and his crew had been fortunate to not go right down to 14 males within the first half. Jones’ gamers had been but once more responsible of poor self-discipline.
The very fact England managed solely six seconds within the South African 22 within the opening 40 minutes informed its personal story. Away from the house struggles, there have been additionally limitless scrum resets and lengthy delays.
Referee Angus Gardner tried, and failed, to ship the drinks carriers away. They’re a blight on the sport.
South Africa didn’t let it trouble them. The Springboks take loads of pelters for his or her obvious limitless physicality and little operating rugby. That was not the case at Twickenham.
England’s defeat to South Africa accomplished what has been their worst week in rugby historical past
Their first-half strive, completed by the nice wing Kurt-Lee Arendse, was excellent as they made England pay for a poor kick and even worse chase.
England’s mass rotation on the interval confirmed precisely what Jones considered his crew’s first 40. On got here Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Will Stuart and Jack Nowell. It made no distinction.
As he had within the first half, South Africa fly-half Damian Willemse slotted an excellent drop objective when the sport resumed. The Twickenham crowd tried to rally their crew.
Pre-match, the fireworks and lightshow had lit up the house of English rugby. The identical had taken place earlier than the dramatic draw with New Zealand.
South Africa’s Kurt-Lee Arendse completed an impressive transfer to attain a strive within the first-half
However the unlucky reality for Jones and his gamers is that they have did not back-up the off-the-field razzmatazz on the pitch.
Jonny Hill’s pointless throwing off Faf de Klerk, which meant an England penalty was turned again the opposite manner, summed up extra brainless residence rugby.
Hill’s silly penalty concession gave South Africa the sector place from which they pressured Tom Curry to be yellow carded after which crossed for his or her second strive.
Even when Eben Etzebeth’s grounding may need regarded suspect, South Africa’s dominance and England’s paucity was clear. Oasis’ Wonderwall rang out round Twickenham. There was nothing wonderous about this England show.
England managed solely six seconds within the South African 22 within the opening 40 minutes
Even when South Africa’s substitute Thomas du Toit was crimson carded, England huffed and puffed towards 14 males. After being hit excessive by Du Toit, Cowan-Dickie’s line-out throw went all improper. It summed up one other night to neglect for England.
They saved their worst show of the autumn for his or her final recreation which suggests Jones’ facet go right into a World Cup 12 months miles off the tempo of the very best groups on the planet.
Henry Slade’s late comfort can’t change that reality. Two losses, a draw, and solely a win over Japan this month is just not adequate for a crew of England’s calibre.
The house supporters had been leaving of their droves even earlier than the ultimate whistle went.