Kolbe shines as Springboks condemn England to third consecutive Autumn defeat

England suffered their fifth straight defeat after going down 29-20 against South Africa at the Allianz Stadium.

Cheslin Kolbe crossed twice, while Grant Williams and Pieter-Steph du Toit also went over as the Springboks made it two wins from two in the Autumn Nations series.

England opened in a purposeful manner and struck first with Marcus Smith’s powerful burst and offload allowing Ollie Sleightholme to mark his maiden international start by crossing.

South Africa quickly responded with Williams darting through the gap in the English defence, while Du Toit charged down Smith’s attempted clearance to put his side ahead for the first time.

The Springboks stretched their lead when Manie Libbok’s cross-field kick found Kolbe, who cleverly stepped inside Freddie Steward’s challenge before crossing, though Sam Underhill went over at the other end as England reduced the deficit to 19-17.

Both sides had tries ruled out in the second half following TMO reviews, before Smith kicked the hosts ahead. However, South Africa quickly regained their advantage.

Handre Pollard’s long-range kick put them back in front, and Kolbe’s second try of the game eventually proved decisive, with the visitors’ stubborn defence subsequently keeping England at bay and securing the win.

Talking Point – Springboks the scourge of England once more

Along with getting back to winning ways, England were looking to avenge the World Cup semi-final defeat they suffered against South Africa 13 months ago.

The hosts made a strong start and, but for a couple of blips, managed to stay with the Springboks for most of the contest.

But once the reigning world champions edged their noses in front, it was always going to be difficult for England to wrestle back that advantage – try as they might.

Despite the positive aspects of their performance, Borthwick’s side have ultimately fallen short once more. That is now five straight Test defeats, and three on the spin at home for the first time since 2006.

Player of the Match – Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)

Kolbe’s two tries ultimately proved the difference for South Africa.

The winger made a game-high three clean breaks, while his tallies of 58 metres made and eight carries were only bettered by Williams (62 metres) and Du Toit (nine) respectively among the Springboks.

Player Ratings

England: Steward 7, Freeman 7, Lawrence 6, Slade 7, Sleightholme 8, M. Smith 8, Van Poortvliet 6, Genge 6, George 6, Stuart 6, Itoje 6, Martin 7, Cunningham-South 6, Underhill 7, Earl 6. Replacements: Cowan-Dickie 6, Baxter 6, Cole 6, Isiekwe 6, Dombrandt 6, Randall 6, Ford N/A, Roebuck 6.

South Africa: Fassi 7, Kolbe 9*, Kriel 8, De Allende 8, Arendse 8, Libbok 8, Williams 8; Nche 6, Mbonambi 7, W. Louw 7, Etzebeth 8, Snyman 7, Kolisi 8, Du Toit 8, Wiese 7. Replacements: Marx 7, Steenekamp 7, Koch 7, E. Louw 7, K. Smith 7, Reinach 7, Pollard 8, Am 7.

Match Highlights

5′ TRY! ENGLAND 7-0 SOUTH AFRICA (SLEIGHTHOLME): The hosts turn their promising start into the opening score of the game. Smith bursts towards the corner and a couple of neat offloads release Sleightholme, who crosses on his first start. Smith converts five points into seven.

12′ TRY! ENGLAND 7-7 SOUTH AFRICA (WILLIAMS): The Springboks respond in superb fashion! Collecting the ball, Williams sees the gap and darts through it, leaving four defenders in his wake, before diving under the posts. Libbok makes no mistake with the conversion.

18′ TRY! ENGLAND 10-12 SOUTH AFRICA (DU TOIT): The Springboks respond immediately and lead for the first time! Etzebeth and Du Toit charge down attempted clearances from Van Poortvliet and Smith respectively. The latter is subsequently chased and touched down by the flanker. However, Libbok’s conversion attempt from a tight angle comes back off the post.

23′ TRY! ENGLAND 10-19 SOUTH AFRICA (KOLBE): Just too good from the visitors! The Springboks surge from the line-out and Libbok’s crossfield kick finds the unmarked Kolbe on the right. Steward sprints across to get to the winger, who calmly steps out of the way of the challenge before crossing. Libbok converts from a tight angle.

27′ TRY! ENGLAND 17-19 SOUTH AFRICA (UNDERHILL): A great response by the visitors! England hit back and Underhill uses all his strength and power to just about touch the ball down beyond the line. Smith converts to reduce the deficit to just two points.

44′ NO TRY: It would have been some try! From the advantage, De Allende and Fassi combine to find Arendse, who darts almost half the length of the pitch before touching down in the corner. However, a TMO review rules the final pass went forwards.

49′ NO TRY: England are denied this time. The hosts neatly work the ball from right to left, and Slade is completely unmarked to touch down. However, a TMO review rules out the try, with Itoje penalised for a neck roll on Marx in the build-up.

64′ TRY! ENGLAND 20-29 SOUTH AFRICA (KOLBE): Another superb try by the Springboks! Kriel deserves credit after barging through two England defenders before offloading to Kolbe, who darts for the line and crosses for the second time. The angle is tight, but Pollard converts without many difficulties.

Key Stats

England have lost three consecutive home games for the first time since 2006.