England v South Africa result: World champion Springboks hand Steve Borthwick’s men third-straight Twickenham defeat

Cheslin Kolbe celebrates scoring against England at Twickenham. Photo / Getty Images

England 20 South Africa 29

A fifth defeat in succession for England but this one will hurt the most.

England served up their most resilient performance of the autumn but against the world champions South Africa, were deserted by their accuracy and discipline in the final quarter just when it looked like an opportunity to avenge their World Cup semi-final defeat was in their grasp.

Steve Borthwick’s side had held the lead going into the final quarter only for a long-range penalty by their World Cup nemesis, Handre Pollard, to snatch the lead before a break out try finished by Cheslin Kolbe, finally took the game away from England to leave them without a win this autumn after defeat by New Zealand and Australia.

England still managed to rally again but lost their shape and were riddled by individual errors and penalty concessions, which denied them the opportunity to set up a dramatic finale.

Ultimately South Africa were worthy winners, outscoring England by four tries to two, with Grant Williams and Pieter-Steph du Toit also crossing for first-half tries.

But England’s blitzkrieg opening, which yielded a try by Ollie Sleightholme, and their ability to wrestle control of the game back from South Africa with a try by Sam Underhill and two Smith penalties, had given hope that they were finally on course for victory of true substance.

But once again it was not to be.