JOHANNESBURG, June (ANA) – South Africa overturned a 21 point deficit early in the first half before running out 42-39 victors over a spirited English team at Ellis Park on Saturday.
South Africa headed into the break as surprise 29-27 leaders after a staging a magnificent fightback midway through the first period.
A raucous Ellis Park crowd were stunned into silence as Eddie Jones' England side ran in three tries inside the first 16 minutes as they sliced open the Springbok defence at will.
The fightback was sparked by overseas-based scrumhalf Faf de Klerk who barged over before debutant wing S'bu Nkosi added two tries, the second of which will be an early contender for team try of the year, as the home fans found their voice once more.
The fightback was complete when Willie le Roux drove towards the line to add his name to the scoresheet as South Africa moved into a five-point lead. England's Owen Farrell reduced the gap to set up a tantalizing second 40 minutes.
The all-out attack and shaky defence that marked the first half was replaced with a more measured approach as the hosts dominated possession and territory. For all the dominance, Handre Pollard could only add one penalty to stretch the score to 32-27 with 28 minutes to play.
Pollard, growing all the while with the ball in hand, missed another chance to extend the advantage as his 57th minute struck the upright.
England's first real attack of the second half was cut in the bud as De Klerk, putting in a Man of the Match performance, forced a turnover with a well-timed tackle at the base of the mail.
Aphiwe Dyantyi made it a successful night for the wings on debut as he held onto a pass from lock RG Snyman to send the Springboks into a 12 point lead with 15 minutes to play.
The 14 man England (Mako Vunipola was sin-binned for a late, cynical hit on De Klerk) got themselves back into the contest with 10 minutes to play as lock Maro Itoje reached over the ruck to dot down.
Substitute prop Steven Kitshoff took advantage of Sikhumbuzo Notshe's good tackle to force a penalty which Pollard converted as South Africa stretched out of a range of a converted try with five minutes to play.
There was one final act of drama as Jonny May ran in his side's fifth try as the Springboks defensive frailties of the first half reappeared. Farrell converted in a rush as England trailed by three with two minutes to play.
One final push came up short as Siya Kolisi registered a win on his captaincy debut even if it was littered with defensive mistakes.
Scorers: South Africa 42 (29): Tries: Faf de Klerk, S'bu Nkosi (2), Wille le Roux, Aphiwe Dyantyi. Conversions: Handre Pollard (4). Penalties: Handre Pollard (3)
England 39 (27): Tries: Mike Brown, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje, Jonny May. Conversions: Owen Farrell (4). Penalties: Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell.
– African News Agency (ANA)
