England coach Eddie Jones previews South Africa clash
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England play South Africa at Twickenham this afternon in their final autumn international before a huge 2023.
Eddie Jones will be pleased by the late rally to snatch a draw against New Zealand, but a victory over the world champions would be a real statement ahead of next year’s World Cup in France.
The Springboks are also eager to beat one of the contenders for next year’s showpiece event, having come unstuck in tight contests with France and Ireland before bouncing back with victory over Italy last week.
Jones has made a point of “respecting” referees too, seen as a dig at his South Africa counterpart Rassie Erasmus, who will complete his matchday ban this weekend after being reprimanded for a series of sarcastic tweets criticising officials.
Follow all the action from Twickenham with our live blog below:
England vs South Africa latest updates
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England 3-0 South Africa, 14 minutes
England line speed looks strong so far, with Jonny Hill, Alex Coles and Maro Itoje – England’s three long limbed lumberers – up in the face of a clutch of South African forwards as Faf de Klerk flicks away from a ruck.
Harry Latham-Coyle26 November 2022 17:47
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PENALTY! ENGLAND 3-0 South Africa (Owen Farrell penalty, 13 minutes)
A perhaps necessary nerve-steadier for Owen Farrell after that uncharacteristic opening miss. A confident stride up to the ball and through it flies to get the scoring underway.
Harry Latham-Coyle26 November 2022 17:45
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England 0-0 South Africa, 12 minutes
Angus Gardner calls both front rows into his office for a chat after releasing a displeased huff on the whistle after the scrum fails to set properly.
The Australian referee waits for the next scrum to fracture before awarding the penalty England’s way with Frans Malherbe turned in.
Harry Latham-Coyle26 November 2022 17:44
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England 0-0 South Africa, 10 minutes
Freddie Steward is up in pursuit of Marcus Smith’s latest hanging punt, with Damian Willemse high above the England full back but unable to take cleanly.
Tommy Freeman briefly threatens to round the South African defence on the far left, but can’t remain infield. Back for the England scrum.
Harry Latham-Coyle26 November 2022 17:42
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Missed penalty! England 0-0 South Africa, 9 minutes
Wow. That’s a shocking miss from Owen Farrell, tugging it to the left inexplicably from bang in front. Curious – the England captain insisted yesterday that he had kicked normally all week after taking a bang during last week’s game, but that was a horrible start from the tee.
Harry Latham-Coyle26 November 2022 17:40
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England 0-0 South Africa, 8 minutes
Angus Gardner whistles England’s way again with South Africa’s midfield up too soon at the lineout. Owen Farrell will seek to succeed where Faf de Klerk failed…
Harry Latham-Coyle26 November 2022 17:38
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England 0-0 South Africa, 7 minutes
Maro Itoje hits Marvin Orie as the lock lands after taking another English drop-kick, this time from the 22, and in pile a clutch of English forwards in support to earn a penalty.
Harry Latham-Coyle26 November 2022 17:37
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Missed penalty! England 0-0 South Africa, 6 minutes
An unfortunate slip for Faf de Klerk right as he makes contact with his left peg. The ball is thus pushed away – three points gone for South Africa.
Harry Latham-Coyle26 November 2022 17:36
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England 0-0 South Africa, 4 minutes
Mako Vunipola comes under pressure from Malherbe once more and slips his bind. Penalty to South Africa – Faf de Klerk is on kicking duties and takes the tee.
Harry Latham-Coyle26 November 2022 17:35
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England 0-0 South Africa, 3 minutes
Mako Vunipola fails to take the heat of the hit from Frans Malherbe, and is duly free kicked.
Faf de Klerk gives brief thought to taking a quick tap, but is soon back in position to feed as his forwards get ready to scrum again.
Harry Latham-Coyle26 November 2022 17:34