Friday, November 28, 2008
South Africa thump England at Twickenham
The Springboks, who had already beaten Wales and Scotland, made pre-match suggestions that they were too tired look laughable with a performance of classy opportunism in attack and dogged determination in defence.
Tries by Danie Rossouw, Ruan Pienaar, Adi Jacobs, Jaque Fourie and Bryan Habana and assured goalkicking by Pienaar after the break completed a hugely satisfying European tour with South Africa's sixth win in a row against England.
On a day that marked the fifth anniversary of England's 2003 World Cup triumph, the home side were given a stark reminder of how far they have fallen since that glorious night in Sydney and the heady days of seven successive wins over the Springboks.
"It was a brutal lesson," coach Martin Johnson told Sky Sports News. "We created a lot of opportunities but the execution was poor."
Springbok captain John Smit said: "We signed off in style. I asked a lot from the guys this week but they gave me more.
"I could feel it before the game, you know every guy is really on task and you get these wonderful days when everything comes together."
England's defeat, with the All Blacks to come next week, severely dents their chances of hanging on to their top-four place in the world rankings and could leave them out of the top seeds for the 2011 World Cup draw on Dec. 1.
"It's a real character week for all of us now," said Johnson. "We can either pack it all up or come back and try to win the game. We have to bounce back and play our hearts out."
Time: 5:00
Posted at 4:15 pm | 20 comments
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Viewing 20 comments
macrod November 28, 2008 5:14 pm
oh dear england, thought they might have a chance but as a proud scot have to say it was a shocking display by a team that doesn't seem to know what it's doing. Bit like the footy team full of stars but hopeless as a team. Just shows teamwork will always win in the end.Bit of a reality check needed!!
James November 28, 2008 5:21 pm
So embarassing - this would never have happened under Ashton - not with a first team who had so much training time together.
haz November 28, 2008 5:39 pm
cipriani needs to learn to tackle a bit better. i am glad flood is 10 next week because i expect teams will just constantly attack his channel.another charged down kick i see, he has given away three tries from that now? correct me if im wrong! bar the ireland game cipriani just dosnt look international standerd
Hendrick November 28, 2008 6:14 pm
Wow all I can say is how the mighty have fallen.
wowserz November 28, 2008 6:59 pm
Indeed, HAZ, cipriani has become a let down. English side is in dire need of some leadership. You see no heart, no desire.Look at the way sackey just gives up after getting out hustled on the kick. Kudos to south africa.
Anarchangel November 28, 2008 8:11 pm
What about Sackey? He could have stopped that 96 metre try twice if he'd put in some effort. He's damn lucky to be playing on Sunday.
frankH November 28, 2008 8:31 pm
Awesome game by the Boks. Incredible, power defense. This commentary is strictly south african though, and as far as I know, doesnt go out around the world - therefore, bias (correct spelling) isnt really fair. It's simply patriotic in that case.
Anonymous November 28, 2008 9:25 pm
Thanks for this one. Been waiting for it all week! Keep up the good work.
goodNumber10 November 28, 2008 9:28 pm
Mike Ford is possibly the worst defence coach in international rugby.he was rubbish with ireland why do england employ the man?
Anonymous November 28, 2008 9:57 pm
so, so embarassing. hate being an england supporter right now. the way england try to walk over in the left corner. pathetic! will to win!?
Anonymous November 28, 2008 10:32 pm
England were dominated by strong defense. I'm a Bok fan, England simply did not turn pressure into points but I think that Cipriani is good but just needs a bit more time in the saddle. Give him time. Carter was aloud to flourish in the no 12 position first before he was given the pressure of no 10. Danny needs a mentor like Jonny Wilkonson to show him the ropes nad then England will reap the rewards.
usa scrum-half November 28, 2008 11:10 pm
who the hell from england took 30 seconds to setup the kick that was charged down by SA and then ran in for a try? anyone get his number?
sebastian November 28, 2008 11:51 pm
look at SA no9 before the last try, how he runs after the ball after they receive a free kick leading england in the 80th minute 37:6 on their hometurf. that is pure commitment
Scottish Fan November 29, 2008 12:51 am
Any chance of the scotland highlights?
ryebye November 29, 2008 2:37 am
very embarassing .. . . although by no means did cipriani play well, but i think the biggest problem with him is that he plays well for wasps when the ball is quick and the forwards are on the move and dominant. . .problem with england at the moment is the forwards total lack of ablity to win quick ball which imo has been englands real problem since 2003,i belive england have some real talent in the back line, the problem is they (the backs) are never going to get a chance to gel together on the international stage if they only ball the get from the forwards is slow ball or ball thats been popped around some stupid pod system that just dosnt work. . . . end rant. . .. well played SA. . . . not looking forward to the game tomorrow. . . .
billybob November 29, 2008 2:49 am
i dont understand how martin johnson see's picking basically the same xv aginst the ABs is going to work...it could be a lonnnng afternoon if england dont get it right
Anonymous November 29, 2008 4:41 am
y so much hype over cipriani-he aint so flash
gooNumber10 November 29, 2008 7:33 am
ryebye, completely agree, a lot of the blame on cipriani, and yes he had a howler, but the english pack are so undynamic at the moment it's just not believable.I feel far more sorry for Rees on this occasion being dropped after three excellent games and for a guy who's far more of a ball carrying 7 when we need to start avoiding these slow pedestrian minimaul/ruck tactics.I don't understand why they persist with wells tactics of generating dirty ball before they generate quick or clean ball, the pack seems to look for contact first and foremost and space second. Meaning the likes of Rees are getting tied up trying to win back their own ball rather then roaming and linking like a good 7 should. As an englsih fan i' honestly embarresed by what i saw last week.
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