England player ratings vs Springboks as Steve Borthwick’s men battled hard but ultimately lost their Nations Championship opener at Ellis Park.
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South Africa made a blistering start, scoring three tries in the opening 13 minutes through Thomas du Toit, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse to take firm control.
England thought Jamie George had got one back but the try was ruled out for offside before Arendse’s yellow card gave England momentum, with Ellis Genge crossing after a quick tap.
Fin Smith’s superb 50/22 then set up the attack for George Martin’s well-taken try in the corner, reducing the deficit and leaving England just three points behind at halftime.
The Boks extended their lead shortly after the break through a Grant Williams sniping score from the base of the ruck.
Jesse Kriel then further widened the gap after strong build-up play from Damian Willemse in a generally quiet spell.
England briefly responded through Alex Coles, but two late yellow cards for the visitors and tries from Malcolm Marx and Ben-Jason Dixon in the final ten minutes sealed the result for the Springboks.
Scroll down for Springboks player ratings vs England.
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South Africa – 45
Tries: Du Toit (2′), Kolbe (5′), Arendse (11′), Williams (44′), Kriel (56′), Marx (72′), Dixon (79′)
Conversions: Kolbe (6′, 45′, 57′, 73′, 79′)
England – 21
Tries: Genge (35′), Martin (40′), Coles (68′)
Conversions: F Smith (35′, 40′, 68′)
England player ratings vs Springboks:
15. Marcus Smith — 7.5
A late call-up following George Furbank’s appendicitis, Smith adapted well at full-back. Produced a crucial intervention to deny Damian Willemse a try, handled the ball confidently from deep and put through an excellent kick that should have created a chance for Cadan Murley.
Was outmuscled by Kurt-Lee Arendse for South Africa’s third try, but overall turned in an assured display under difficult circumstances.
14. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso — 7
The Exeter Chiefs winger lost his first aerial contest but responded well, dealing excellently with a dangerous kick through and later winning another battle in the air. Opportunities were limited, yet he gradually grew into the game and improved as it wore on.
13. Tommy Freeman — 5
Started shakily with an early penalty for not releasing after just a minute, and had a mixed impact at outside centre. Produced a slightly awkward bounce pass that just about came off, before being shifted out to the wing after 55 minutes.
Finished the game with a yellow card for shoulder-to-head contact with just under ten minutes to go, which effectively put England out of it.
12. Seb Atkinson — 6
On only his fifth Test cap, Atkinson did a steady job with a few positive carries and showed good hands in distribution. Produced a well-weighted kick through that put South Africa under pressure and contributed solidly in defence. A composed, workmanlike performance at this level.
11. Cadan Murley — 5
Beaten too easily by Cheslin Kolbe for South Africa’s second try and also missed a tackle on Grant Williams. Reasonably assured in the air and produced a strong run close to the line, but failed to make the most of a Marcus Smith kick through before being replaced after 54 minutes.
10. Fin Smith — 7.5
Has now firmly established himself as England’s go-to fly-half with another composed and influential performance. Kicked smartly out of defence and backed it up with a strong tackle when the ball came straight back at him, showing real physical intent.
Produced a tidy break to put South Africa under pressure and capped a superb end to the half with a crucial 50:22 that helped set up the second try.
Added a pressured conversion from the touchline and was unlucky not to release Atkinson after creating space himself.
9. Jack van Poortvliet — 7.5
Silenced many of the pre-match doubts with a composed display at scrum-half. His box kicking was solid, he moved the ball quickly when opportunities arose, and produced a superb offload to put Fin Smith into space.
Unfortunate to see his touch on the ball lead to Jamie George’s disallowed try, but overall this was an assured performance.
1. Ellis Genge — 7.5
A constant threat physically and fully deserved his try after a sharp tap-and-go close to the line. Showed real intent throughout, taking quick penalties whenever possible, and powered through Thomas du Toit for his score.
2. Jamie George — 6.5
Captained the side but endured a difficult moment when beaten far too easily by Ox Nche in the build-up to South Africa’s second try.
Thought he had scored England’s first from close range, only for it to be ruled out for offside. His lineout throwing was solid overall before he departed after 55 minutes.
3. Joe Heyes — 6
Fairly quiet overall, holding his own at scrum time where things were largely even. Not heavily involved in open play and struggled to make a noticeable impact around the park before being replaced.
4. Alex Coles — 6.5
Started with an early penalty in a dangerous area and otherwise had a fairly quiet afternoon. Made a decent amount of tackles and carries, but was unable to show the dynamic running that has become a feature of his game at Northampton Saints.
Finished his try well from close range to get England back to within ten points with just over ten minutes to go.
5. George Martin — 7
Marked his first Test appearance in over a year with a superb try on the stroke of half-time, showing his power to burst through multiple defenders before producing an outstanding finish in the corner.
Overall made a positive impact before coming off after 58 minutes.
