England suffered a fifth consecutive defeat as South Africa powered to another convincing victory at Ellis Park.
The Springboks raced into a 17-point lead inside the opening 11 minutes before Steve Borthwick’s side briefly threatened a remarkable comeback.
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Tries from Ellis Genge and George Martin reduced the deficit before half-time, but the world champions turned the screw after the break to secure another comfortable victory over England.
With Fiji up next at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, changes could now be on the cards.
Here are four England players who struggled against the Springboks – and who should replace them.
Marcus Smith
Thrown into the starting XV at the 11th hour after George Furbank was ruled out with appendicitis, Smith once again found himself deployed in the more unfamiliar full-back role.
There appeared to be an alarming lack of communication in England’s back three early on, with high balls allowed to bounce and South Africa immediately putting the visitors under huge pressure.
Smith’s one-on-one defence was then exposed by Kurt-Lee Arendse for the Springboks’ third try, with the diminutive playmaker unable to bundle the winger into touch.
There were some brighter moments. His pass resulted in Arendse deliberately knocking the ball on and receiving a yellow card, while Smith added value when stepping up as a first receiver.
However, he was largely anonymous after the break and was caught biting in defensively in the build-up to Jesse Kriel’s try.
Smith remains a world-class fly-half, but England’s continued attempts to turn him into an international full-back remain unconvincing.
Replacement: Freddie Steward
If fit, Steward should return at full-back against Fiji. England need greater security under the high ball and a more natural presence in the No.15 shirt.
