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England’s autumn nations series saw rugby union’s reigning world champions face their biggest speedbump ever, with South Africa producing a masterclass performance at Twickenham.
The hosts were well beaten as the visiting Springboks capitalized on a series of personal errors and ill-discipline from Eddie Jones’ side to dominate proceedings and secure a landmark 13-27 victory.
England attempted a late comeback as South Africa were reduced to 14 men as the match entered its final ten minutes but could not due to the visitors’ defensive resolve.
Sportsmail Adam Hathaway and Alex Bywater grade the England and South Africa players after the match in London.
England’s Autumn Nations series ended with a disappointing loss to South Africa
South Africa controlled proceedings as England could not get a foothold in the match
England
Freddie Steward 4
Missed some high balls which are newsflash and not in their own game. Not dominant on front legs.
Tommy Freeman 4
Not the payback that followed. First start after two in Australia but dropped an aerial ball and was subbed at the break.
Manu Tuilagi 5
There’s no way to mark his 50th cap more than 11 years later, but that’s not the impact he wants with ball in hand.
Manu Tuilagi earned his 50th England cap but struggled with ball in hand on Saturday
Owen Farrell (Captain) 5
Fluffed a few pots at goal and was seen struggling with his ankle. Well done for the Slade score when England were down and out.
England captain Owen Farrell (right) mourns a series of missed kicks
Johnny May 5
Failed to make an impression and didn’t get into the game like last week against New Zealand. Disappointing.
Marcus Smith 5
Not a day to play on the back foot. Skinning when exposed for South Africa’s first try and looking injured when taken off.
Jack van Portvliet 6
Nightmare last week but this time a little more spark in a tough scrap for the England half-back but he stalled on 67 minutes.
Mako Vunipola 3
Start for the first 18 months and hook on at half-time like the rest of the front row without impact.
Mako Vunipola (centre) made his first start in 18 months but was hooked at half-time.
Jamie George 3
Australia’s first start since their summer tour ended after 40 minutes as England were overcome early by the Springboks’ front row.
Kyle Sinclair 3
He starts regularly but can deal with the box and finds himself under pressure from Will Stewart after being subbed at half-time.
My goal is 7
England’s best player and tried to relax with him. Worked hard all evening and took his personal battle to Etzebeth, won the turnover, but needed more support.
Maro Itoje (centre) was England’s man of the match in a disappointing defeat at Twickenham.
Johnny Hill 4
He is not as famous as he was recently. Struggled in the match with silly penalties awarded in the second half and Bock Locks.
Alex Coles 4
Discipline was poor as he leaked penalties, conceding three in the first half, before being lifted early in the second half.
Tom Curry 4
Sia lost the battle with Collis but fought hard. England’s frustrations mounted in the second half as Sinbined and did not have his best day.
Tom Curry (centre) endured one of his worst performances in an England shirt on Saturday
Billy Vunipola 4
Another mixed bag from Big Billy – headed straight through but faded before being replaced on 56 minutes.
replace Luke Cowan-Dickie 4 (for George HT), Alice Genge 5 (for M Vunipola HT), Will Stewart 5 (for Sinclair HT), Dave Ribbens 4 (for Cole 46), Sam Simmonds 5 (for B. Vunipola 56), Ben Youngs 6 (for Van Portvliet 67), Henry Slade 5 (for Smith 61), Jack Nowell 5 (for Freeman HT)
South Africa
Willy Le Roux 8
England were targeted by the kicking game but often given the time and space to grab it so easily did so. Rock solid at the back and showed he can attack as well, getting in the first Springbok try. A seriously classy operator.
South African full-back Willie Le Roux showed his quality to take the pressure off England’s kicks.
Kurt-Lee Arendse 8.5
The Bulls man is 26 but looked like a teenager on the wing until he burst into life to cap off a brilliant South African effort. His sidestep to beat Marcus Smith was outstanding. Also made a second-half try-saving tackle on Freddie Steward.
Jesse Creel 6.5
Didn’t make much of an impact and wasn’t tested enough defensively by an England team that never got going. A smooth ride was given.
Damien de Allende 7
He rarely breaks as clearly as Gazelle, but he almost always beats the first man. A brutally strong carrier and underrated stepper.
Makazol Mapimpi 6.5
Takes a brilliant high ball. He did all the stealth work that was required of him but didn’t get much of a chance to shoot in the open. His team was still good for England.
Damian Williams 8.5
Picked up great options to take drop goals in both halves and executed both brilliantly. He followed up his first-half try with a brilliant counter-attack to help Arendse score.
Damien Willems impressed with two drop goals as South Africa cruised to victory
Faf de Klerk 7.5
On kicking duties and his first attempt was inept. But then he handled things well and was exceptional with the boot. A superb long-range penalty stopped in the second half. Finally got an ankle injury.
Scrum-half Faf de Klerk impressed during the match but was withdrawn late on through injury
Bull Nche 7
Got the better of Kyle Sinclair, who struggled, in the opening scrum. Even with a new front row for the second half, England were poor in that area. Nche was replaced by Steven Kitshoff.
Bongi Mbonambi 6.5
A warning was given by referee Angus Gardner and then a penalty was awarded at the scrum. Not at his mighty best before he left the field for Malcolm Marx’s impact to come into his own.
France Malherb 8
A scrum was also penalized which allowed England to take a penalty kick but he then got on top and showed impressive stamina. He watched Mako Vunipola and was also too strong for Alice Genge. His replacement Thomas du Toit had to return to the field after being sent off for a dangerous tackle on Luke Cowan-Dickie.
South African forward France Meherbe proved too much for England’s defence
Eben Etzebeth 7.5
An athletic steal got his team out of trouble after Sinclair rushed forward and showed he’s more than just physicality. Maro was involved in a trademark clash with Etoje but scored a decisive try in the second half.
Marvin Ory 6
Ludd is not in de Jagger’s class but his socks were knocked off. Dropped a restart that would have been frustrating for him. Soon replaced by Quagga Smith.
Sia Kolisi (Captain) 6.5
Failed to put a stamp on good field position for his team when held up over the line in the first half. Recovered impressively before reluctantly leaving the field late on for a head injury assessment. Doctors deserve credit for making sure the colis were removed.
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi helped his team to another famous win against England
Franco Mostert 8.5
Not a natural No.7 and gave away a penalty for an off-the-ball tackle but is extremely physical and sums up his team’s approach. His dominant performance was a key part of South Africa’s dominance.
Ivan Rus 5.5
A man to watch out for at Test level over the next year or so and a player of real promise but he didn’t deliver the goods at Twickenham. Replaced by Marco van Staden.
Replace: Quagga Smith 7 (Orie 46), Steven Kitschoff 7.5 (Nche 47), Malcolm Marks 7.5 (Mbonambi 47), Marco van Staden 6.5 (Roos 53), Thomas du Toit 2 (Malherb 58), Manny Libbock 6 (for Le Roux 61) Frans Malherbe 8 (for Mapimpi 63), Jaden Hendricks 6 (for De Klerk 73), Roos 5.5 (for Kolisi 73) Cannon Moody 5.5 (for Arendse 78)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia) Attendance: 81,268 has been kept Star Man: Franco Mostert (South Africa)
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