Relentless South Africa hand England fifth-straight loss

LONDON :Two irresistible tries by winger Cheslin Kolbe helped South Africa to a 29-20 victory over England at Twickenham on Saturday and though the home crowd was treated to a fantastic match, it meant a fifth successive defeat for Steve Borthwick's men.

Ollie Sleightholme put England ahead, but three tries in 10 minutes by Grant Williams, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kolbe silenced Twickenham, only for Sam Underhill to power over for the hosts.

A penalty for Marcus Smith briefly had England ahead but a Handre Pollard penalty and winger Kolbe's explosive second try made it 29-20.

England had shown plenty of attacking intent and no little physicality but, for all the talk of South Africa's forward power, it was the finishing class of their backs that eventually made the difference.

The game caught fire from the start and rarely slowed. There were five tries in the first 26 minutes as both teams showcased the full range of attacking ploys, including probing kick-passes, quick-handed backs moves, sniping runs and raw strength.

Last week it was Smith's kicking that cut holes in the Australian defence, but within four minutes on Saturday, he showed his running skills, zipping past two Springbok tacklers to set up Sleightholme to pick up as he left off against the Wallabies with a great finish.

South Africa levelled with a brilliant individual try by scrumhalf Williams, who threw two outrageous sidesteps to leave three England defenders flailing.

Jack van Poortvliet, playing his first international since last August, and Smith were then both charged down trying to clear and Du Toit, England’s scourge in their World Cup semi-final defeat 13 months ago, scooped up the ball to score.

Steward was left for dead again when Kolbe caught an