South Africa thrash England 45-21 in Nations Championship opener after late drama

Pre-match upheaval

Both teams were forced into late changes that reshaped the contest. South Africa captain Siya Kolisi was withdrawn after a hamstring injury sustained in the captain's run, and veteran lock Eben Etzebeth displayed concussion symptoms following a knock in training. Pieter-Steph du Toit assumed the captaincy and shifted from flanker to the second row, with Cameron Hanekom coming in at No.7 and Paul de Villiers earning a first cap on the other side of the scrum. England lost full-back George Furbank to appendicitis on the morning of the game; Marcus Smith started at full-back and Henry Slade was added to the bench. Jamie George captained England with Maro Itoje rested, as Steve Borthwick's side sought to end a four-match losing streak in the Six Nations.

First-half blitz

South Africa exploded out of the blocks. Inside 12 minutes they had three tries, from du Toit, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, racing to a 17-0 lead. The Springboks' aerial dominance and slick backline play overwhelmed England, with Ox Nche's gallop through the middle setting up Kolbe's score. Kolbe could only convert one of the first three attempts, but the damage was done. The hosts' physicality and speed left England chasing shadows.

England fightback

England showed resilience to claw back to 17-14 by half-time. The visitors capitalised on South African errors and briefly threatened an upset, but the world champions' physicality kept them in front. The half-time scoreline flattered England, who had been thoroughly outplayed for large stretches. Still, the fightback offered a glimmer of hope for Borthwick's men.

Second-half dominance

After the break, South Africa pulled away. Reduced to 13 men at one stage, England could not contain the Springboks' seven-try onslaught. The final score of 45-21 reflected the gulf between the sides on the night. South Africa's strength in depth, even with a weakened pack, was decisive. The result was a statement of intent in the new Nations Championship.

Atmosphere and context

The match was played at altitude before a raucous Ellis Park crowd, with pre-match entertainment including lookalikes of British icons and a spine-tingling rendition of the South African anthem. England's Henry Pollock was booed every time he touched the ball. It was the opening fixture of the inaugural Nations Championship, and South Africa's victory extended England's winless run at the venue dating back to 1972. England have now won only four of 16 Tests in South Africa. The Springboks, double world champions under Rassie Erasmus, began their campaign in imperious fashion, while England must regroup after a chastening evening.