[ad_1]
England not solely didn’t beat a South Africa group robbed of 9 first-choice stars however produced one other surprising 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 recommended England and South Africa have been the No 1 and No 2 groups on the earth on the finish of 2019. Quite a bit has modified since then and this recreation proved it.
The Springboks absolutely deserved to elevate 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 number of warmth within the subsequent few days – he must be below 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 group.’
The fact is that proper now, they’re nowhere close to reaching that purpose.
Their newest defeat got here by the hands of a reserve South Africa facet.
The Springboks have 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 as a result of a mixture of harm and unavailability. This recreation came about out of World Rugby’s designated Check window that means South Africa’s foreign-based stars couldn’t play. It mattered little.
The primary half summed up all the pieces that’s mistaken with England and Check rugby presently.
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 group have been fortunate to not go all the way down to 14 males within the first half. Jones’ gamers have 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 advised its personal story. Away from the house struggles, there have been additionally infinite 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 infinite 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 high quality 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 group’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 group.
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 didn’t 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 approach, summed up extra brainless residence rugby.
Hill’s silly penalty concession gave South Africa the sphere place from which they compelled Tom Curry to be yellow carded after which crossed for his or her second strive.
Even when Eben Etzebeth’s grounding may need seemed 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 purple carded, England huffed and puffed towards 14 males. After being hit excessive by Du Toit, Cowan-Dickie’s line-out throw went all mistaken. 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 implies Jones’ facet go right into a World Cup yr miles off the tempo of the most effective groups on the planet.
Henry Slade’s late comfort can’t change that truth. Two losses, a draw, and solely a win over Japan this month is just not ok for a group of England’s calibre.
The house supporters have been leaving of their droves even earlier than the ultimate whistle went.
