Rugby: England down Sth Africa, Argentina scares Australia

By HERALD ONLINE STAFF and REUTERS

England beat South Africa 27-22 in the second test in Bloemfontein with first-five-eighth Jonny Wilkinson kicking all of his side's points - including an England record of eight penalties.

Argentina rebounded after their 53-6 hammering in the first test, to take Australia to within seven points. Australia won the match in Canberra 32-35.

Jonny Wilkinson landed eight out of nine penalty attempts for England and dropped a goal to equal the individual test record against South Africa.

England manager Clive Woodward claimed his team would have won both matches in the series if Wilkinson had been fit.

South Africa coach Nick Mallett conceded his side had been beaten by the better team.

In Canberra, Argentina came close to grabbing a draw in the game in which their forwards dominated the Wallabies' pack.

The Argentine defence was also much improved.

Australia lost flanker Matt Cockbain in the final minutes of the game.

England 27, South Africa 22; Australia 32, Argentina 25.