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England vs South Africa LIVE rugby: Final score and result as Springboks down sub-par England despite red card

England play South Africa at Twickenham this afternon in their final autumn international before a huge 2023.

Eddie Jones will be pleased by the late rally to snatch a draw against New Zealand, but a victory over the world champions would be a real statement ahead of next year’s World Cup in France.

The Springboks are also eager to beat one of the contenders for next year’s showpiece event, having come unstuck in tight contests with France and Ireland before bouncing back with victory over Italy last week.

Jones has made a point of “respecting” referees too, seen as a dig at his South Africa counterpart Rassie Erasmus, who will complete his matchday ban this weekend after being reprimanded for a series of sarcastic tweets criticising officials.

Relive all the action from Twickenham with our live blog below:

England vs South Africa latest updates

  • FULL-TIME! England 13-27 South Africa

  • England outclassed by South Africa despite Springboks red card in the final autumn international of 2022

  • 71’ - TRY! Slade darts his way over to narrow the deficit (ENG 13-27 RSA)

  • 61’ - RED CARD! Du Toit sent off for making contact with the head of Cowan-Dickie in the tackle (ENG 6-27 RSA)

  • 49’ - TRY! Etzebeth dives over from close range (ENG 6-24 RSA)

  • 33’ - TRY! Brilliant Arendse step finishes off superb Springboks score (ENG 3-11 RSA)

  • 19’ - PENALTY! De Klerk levels the scores (ENG 3-3 RSA)

  • 13’ - PENALTY! Farrell slots three points after early penalty misses by both sides (ENG 3-0 RSA)

  • England produced a stunning comeback to snatch a draw with the All Blacks last week

  • The Springboks handily beat Italy a week ago after losses to France and Ireland

F/T: England 13-27 South Africa

19:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Where next for England? There are a few who looked off the pace today, with the front and back rows unable to match South Africa’s physicality, and Jonny Hill producing at least two moments of impestuous stupidity amid wider issues of discipline under pressure. Manu Tuilagi didn’t have the impact he’d have liked on his 50th England cap - it’s been an unspectacular autumn for the centre.

F/T: England 13-27 South Africa

19:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another outstanding showing to cap a superlative international season from Eben Etzebeth - even if I don’t think his try should have stood. He embodies so much about this South African side, and was close to faultless again this evening.

F/T: England 13-27 South Africa

19:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Great boos from the Twickenham crowd as South Africa kick for the stands to send us to a close. For the first time under Eddie Jones, England have lost twice in a single autumn - they end 2022 with six defeats and plenty of problems entering a World Cup year.

South Africa simply out-muscled them today, with far too many errors from the home team - in the air and from the tee early on, but more consequentially at the set piece throughout. It’s a handy win for the Springboks, their first over England at Twickenham since 2014, and a real reminder of just how fearsome this pack, even missing a couple of key cogs, can be.

FULL TIME! ENGLAND 13-27 SOUTH AFRICA

19:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

England 13-27 South Africa, 80 minutes

19:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But after some huffing and puffing inside their own 22, a dangerous clearout from Jonny Hill (who will not look back fondly on this encounter) is spotted by the officials. It’s loose from Hill, needlessly lifting a South African beyond the horizontal and depositing him back onto a ruck.

England 13-27 South Africa, 79 minutes

19:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

As should, by now, come as little surprise, South Africa win a penalty at the scrum.

They fancy one more adventure from inside their own half, playing to width immediately. Damian Willemse acts the intrepid explorer, going it alone among the retreating English tacklers and then releasing an ambitious offload out the back door, which tumbles forward from South African hands. The advantage was over - England will seek a consolation.

England 13-27 South Africa, 78 minutes

19:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But England’s errors hve been much, much too regular this evening, particularly at the set piece - Luke Cowan-Dickie flings to the tail jumper, but his throw drifts some distance off line.

England 13-27 South Africa, 78 minutes

19:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa are then offside in midfeld at the lineout.

England 13-27 South Africa, 77 minutes

19:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slightly curiously, South Africa grubber into the in-goal on first phase, giving England a goalline dropout - rm which the hosts win a penalty.

England 13-27 South Africa, 76 minutes

19:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Will Stuart remains down after the collapse, holding his arm awkwardly against his stomach as he is helped to his feet. It looks like the Bath prop will face another spell on the sidelines after making a speedy recover to feature for England this autumn.

South Africa are happy to take a scrum in teh corner as they seek to fully dash England’s hopes of a repeat resurrection.

England 13-27 South Africa, 75 minutes

19:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Angus Gardner calls the burly blokes in for a huddle - a chat between the referee and both front rows with the set-up still not right five minutes frm time.

South Africa win a penalty on the re-engagement.

England 13-27 South Africa, 73 minutes

19:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England toss the ball hither and thither inside their own 22, searching for a hint of space. Manu Tuilagi goes it alone, biffing back one tackler and trying to offload for Henry Slade looping out the back, but throwing his pass behind the replacement. Slade slaps it down to himself, but it travels forward from his hand - South Africa scrum.

England 13-27 South Africa, 72 minutes

19:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

De Klerk will go off on the motorised cart, leg wrapped in a protective orange sleeve. Jaden Hendrikse is on - let us hope that De Klerk’s injury is not as bad as that looks like it might be.

Siya Kolisi has also been led from the field - the South Africa captain hovers on the touchline as the medics discuss what to do. It appears that Kolisi requires an HIA; Evan Roos returns in his place with Kolisi rightly told he cannot continue.

England 13-27 South Africa, 72 minutes

19:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa will have to play the rest of this game without Faf de Klerk - the scrum half has run himself into the ground with a quite brilliant performance. His busy left leg appears to have paid for his efforts, De Klerk removing boot and sock and the cart on to help him from the field if required.

TRY! ENGLAND 13-27 South Africa (Henry Slade try, 72 minutes)

19:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And his great Exeter mate Henry Slade benefits Nowell’s break!

England earn a penalty, which Ben Youngs taps quickly. Youngs feeds Owen Farrell, who is dragged down from behind a metre or so out. Slade steps in at first receiver, jinking inside to flop over the line.

Farrell converts - it couldn’t happen again, could it?...

England 6-27 South Africa, 71 minutes

19:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jack Nowell! England turn the ball over and kick across to the replacement wing, who shows remarkable strength and accleration to ride a challenge and then race up, shedding two more Springboks to enter the 22.

England 6-27 South Africa, 69 minutes

19:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Frans Malherbe and Steven Kitshoff tighten the screw with another scrum penalty.

England 6-27 South Africa, 66 minutes

19:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And while the All Blacks collapsed with 14 men a week ago, the Springboks look rather gnarlier. Malcolm Marx is twice a jackaling presence in the space of four rucks, coming up with a holding on penalty from his second scavenge through a fallen English carcass.

England 6-27 South Africa, 66 minutes

19:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another lineout error from England! The throw, and cahnce, goes awry.

England 6-27 South Africa, 65 minutes

19:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa are penalised at the maul. England play with advantage, Henry Slade (on for Marcus Smith) pulling out the back for Owen Farrell, who does likewise to Freddie Steward...tackled on the outside arc! England wil have to try again from the penalty.

England 6-27 South Africa, 63 minutes

19:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Thomas du Toit’s sending off means Frans Malherbe will be called back into action...

...and the South Africa tighthead is penalised at his first scrum since rejoining proceedings. England go to the corner.

England 6-27 South Africa, 62 minutes

19:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Not with that sort of accuracy they won’t - a lineout error, and South Africa manage to steal the ball five metres out from their own line, Franco Mostert snatching Luke Cowan-Dickie’s dart out of Dave Ribbans’ hands.

Off the spider cam! Damian Willemse’s clearance slams against the piece of equipment. South Africa will have the scrum beneath the point where it was struck - which is five metres out from their own line.

RED CARD! Thomas du Toit is sent off! England 6-27 South Africa, 61 minutes

19:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It had to be red. Thomas du Toit came charging in, failed to wrap and made direct, forceful contact to the top of Luke Cowan-Dickie’s head.

Angus Gardner sends off the replacement tighthead - surely England can’t come roaring back against 14 men again?

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

TMO check! England 6-27 South Africa, 61 minutes

18:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ooh - that looks nasty! A shoulder to he head is shown on the big screen and Angus Gardner will have an extended look in consultation with his TMO...

England 6-27 South Africa, 61 minutes

18:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kurt-Lee Arendse really is wonderful to watch with even a hint of space. Freddie Steward knocks on as England attack and South Africa pounce, springing into attack quickly.

Arendse foxtrots up the right, cleverly releasing and getting back to his feet to go again.

England manage to jackal and win a holding on penalty.

England 6-27 South Africa, 60 minutes

18:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A contented Frans Malherbe makes his way off, appetite sated by his scrum-time munchings of two English looseheads. Thomas du Toit on in his stead.

PENALTY! England 6-27 SOUTH AFRICA (Faf de Klerk penalty, 58 minutes)

18:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Through it goes. Three more to Faf de Klerk and South Africa’s tally.

England 6-24 South Africa, 57 minutes

18:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Angus Gardner’s arm is extended South Africa’s way with England in reverse at the scrum. It surely won’t be too long until the Australian referee considers upping the sanction with English set-piece infringements persistent.

Faf de Klerk will kick for goal.

England 6-24 South Africa, 54 minutes

18:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A midfield knock on ends South Africa’s chances of launching from the lineout.

But I’m not sure England will particularly fancy another scrum examination. Jack Nowell is employed as an emergency flanker with Tom Curry in the bin, and Billy Vunipola expedites the extraction of the ball with his front row immediately under pressure.

Faf de Klerk is instantly snapping at his heels and slapping at his hands, though - the number eight knocks on as Eddie Jones and his staff share searching looks in the coaches’ box. It’s unravelling for England.

England 6-24 South Africa, 53 minutes

18:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England are looking rather ragged here. Will Stuart is penalised after they earn a scrum in the South Africa half.

Marco van Staden replaces Evan Roos in the South Africa back row before the resultant lineout.

TRY! England 6-24 SOUTH AFRICA (Eben Etzebeth, 50 minutes)

18:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Eben Etzebeth somehow ends up with a try! Maro Itoje contests a ruck beneath his own posts and the ball spills into his opposite number’s arms, with Etzebeth having the simple job of gathering and grounding from not even a metre out.

Was the lock on his feet as he picked up? It didn’t look like it, but Faf de Klerk’s quick conversion is over and South Africa are back in control.

YELLOW CARD! Tom Curry is sent to the sin bin! England 6-17 South Africa, 49 minutes

18:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And England lose a man! Another maul infringement, and Tom Curry is shown yellow.

England 6-17 South Africa, 47 minutes

18:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

More changes for both teams - Dave Ribbans for his Northampton teammate Alex Coles in the England pack; Malcolm Marx for Bongi Mbonambi at hooker for South Africa.

That’s rathear daft from Jonny Hill. England win a penalty but Hill impatiently hauls Faf de Klerk out of the ruck by the scruff of the scrum-half’s shirt. Angus Gardner warned both captains he’d tolerate nothing more after the whistle; penalty reversed and South Africa kick to the corner.

PENALTY! ENGLAND 6-17 South Africa (Owen Farrell penalty, 46 minutes)

18:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Owen Farrell’s first half misses means that there is an apprehensive intake of breath as Twickenham falls silent for the kick.

But Farrell’s radar is right this time.

England 3-17 South Africa, 44 minutes

18:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Freddie Steward makes an imperious return to aerial form, taking, landing, and powering on, nearly able to get the offload away. Marcus Smith scurries through a half hole as England earn a penalty, and the England fly half remains down for some treatment as Owen Farrell prepares to line up the three points.

Kwagga Smith replaces Marvin Orie for South Africa - Franco Mostert will move one row further forward into lock.

England 3-17 South Africa, 43 minutes

18:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Luke Cowan-Dickie is on for England, too, but those half-time front row changes haven’t helped the home side at scrum time - Will Stuart is free kicked for driving too soon.

England 3-17 South Africa, 43 minutes

18:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That will help the hosts - Marvin Orie makes a hash of his collection as Owen Farrell lands his restart in the lifted lock’s breadbasket.

England 3-17 South Africa, 42 minutes

18:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The simmering pot rather boiled over there, with green and white shirts piling in to the scuffle.

Angus Gardner warns both captains he won’t tolerate it again - England, in desperate need of a lift, will get things back underway.

DROP GOAL! England 3-17 SOUTH AFRICA (Damian Willemse drop goal, 42 minutes)

18:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A second drop goal!

A slow midfield ruck, and Damian Willemse drops deep to slot another three points and extend the South African lead.

And there’s a mighty fracas among the forwards to follow it!

England 3-14 South Africa, 41 minutes

18:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

In fact, England have swapped both props - Ellis Genge is on for Mako Vunipola.

Second half...

18:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Will Stuart is on, too - Kyle Sinckler had looked a little stiff on a number of occasions in that first half and had been struggling against Ox Nche at scrum time.

South Africa as they were.

H/T: England 3-14 South Africa

18:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England re-emerge for the second half first, with Jack Nowell’s blue scrum-capped head easy to spot amongst the white shirts. Tommy Freeman appears to be the man replaced.

H/T: England 3-14 South Africa

18:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England have spent just six seconds inside the South African 22 so far, according to the official stats. So much for lighting up Twickenham - it will again have to be much, much better after the interval from Eddie Jones’ side.

Twickenham mourns the passing of Doddie Weir

18:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just after the players made their exit, Twickenham rose to its feet for a minute of applause in memory of Doddie Weir, with news of his passing arriving just moments before kick off. It really is desperately sad news - a Scottish icon on the pitch who became a great campaigner off it, battling so bravely against Motor Neurone Disease. He will be greatly missed.

Doddie Weir dies aged 52 after battle with MND

H/T: England 3-14 South Africa

18:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Well, the game hasn’t yet erupted into life but South Africa will be much, much happier with that first half than England. The scrappy nature of the contest means that chances in phase play have been limited for both sides, but that brilliant counter-attacking Kurt-Lee Arendse score and two straightforward misses from the tee from Owen Farrell means the Springboks head back to the dressing rooms in a position of reasonable strength. England’s discipline is starting to become an issue, too - they’ll start the second half on a final warning.

HALF TIME! ENGLAND 3-14 SOUTH AFRICA

18:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

PENALTY! England 3-14 SOUTH AFRICA (Faf de Klerk penalty, 40 minutes)

18:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A hint of a slip again for the South Africa scrum-half but the strike of his left boot is straight and secure.

England 3-11 South Africa, 39 minutes

18:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Angus Gardner’s whistle sounds again with England’s discipline lacking. Faf de Klerk will try to close the half with three points.

England 3-11 South Africa, 37 minutes

18:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa win another penalty and return to the right corner. Alex Coles penalised again - it’s not been the best half for the young forward.

England 3-11 South Africa, 36 minutes

18:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa are at it again! The creative axis of Willie le Roux and Damian Willemse are again the instigators, Le Roux spotting the possibility of space on the right inside his own 22.

Willemse tries to turn the burners on to scorch a trail outside Maro Itoje, who does very well to snare a piece of cloth on Willemse’s shirt and prevent the fly half getting away. Kurt-Lee Arendse tracks superbly in support but can’t beat Freddie Steward, diving to his left like a goalkeeper, with his kick through. Steward argues it is a charge down; referee Angus Gardner rules he has knocked on.

TRY! England 3-11 SOUTH AFRICA (Kurt-Lee Arendse try, 33 minutes)

18:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

At last! A delightful, delicious South African score!

Magnificent from the Springboks. Damian Willemse takes Freddie Steward’s high bomb and spots that the England full-back is isolated as he chases, Willemse jumps to his right, Kurt-Lee Arendse a useful, perfectly legal shield in the way, allowing Willemse to sprint up the right and away from a toiling Jamie George.

Willemse passes inwards for Willie le Roux, who draws Jonny May and puts Arendse in to the corner, the wing turning Marcus Smith inside out with a shimmy of the hips to complete a sublime score. How this game needed that!

DROP GOAL! England 3-6 SOUTH AFRICA (Damian Willemse drop goal, 31 minutes)

18:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A drop goal! This odd first half continues as South Africa eventually tire of playing aimless phases just outside England’s 22, Damian Willemse dropping back and slotting a pleasantly-struck drop kick.

England 3-3 South Africa, 29 minutes

18:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Tommy Freeman and Freddie Steward get themselves in a tangle, England’s two young back three members making a mess as South Africa begin to get some consistent joy in the air.

England 3-3 South Africa, 28 minutes

18:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England earn a free kick at the scrum, which is pumped high into the Twickenham high.

A not dissmiliar return from South Africa once more evades English hands, with Marcus Smith required to show his powers of escapology after scramblig back on to a fly-hacked ball. Jack van Poortvliet’s clearance then deflects into touch off South African hands.

England 3-3 South Africa, 27 minutes

18:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s been a scrappy old start, this. Nearly half an hour in and still there has been little flow to the contest, England shelling South Africa’s latest aerial assault. The Springboks will feed a scrum on the fringes of the hosts’ 22.

The staccato nature of this encounter has not been helped by breaks in play that have come all too regularly - for some reason, both sets of players take another pause for some water before the set piece.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

England 3-3 South Africa, 26 minutes

18:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Held up! Outstanding defence from England at the front of the lineout as South Africa vary their play, Eben Etzebeth returning to Bongi Mbonambi off the top with Siya Kolisi then charging on to his hooker’s pop. England stem his flow, holding him up off the floor over the line to earn a goalline drop out.

England 3-3 South Africa, 25 minutes

17:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

They do, four backs piling in to lend their mass to the maul’s might. It makes little progress but England have infringed again.

England 3-3 South Africa, 24 minutes

17:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa maul, and maul in muscular manner - England penalised.

Faf de Klerk opts to kick for the corner, just about finding it. South Africa, you think, will drive again.

England 3-3 South Africa, 23 minutes

17:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And another error from one of England’s Messrs Dependable - Freddie Steward’s long punt travels out on the full.

Missed penalty! England 3-3 South Africa, 22 minutes

17:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Blimey! That might be even worse than the first from Owen Farrell, a snap hook from the tee and finding the hazard some way to the left of the posts.

England 3-3 South Africa, 20 minutes

17:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England’s shapes look nicely formed in these opening skirmishes, forwards and backs interchanging well and working openings in the South African defensive line. A grubber through is collected by Springbok hands but Tom Curry collects the return, and there looks to be space on the right as Billy Vunipola instead opts for a Route One approach.

Owen Farrell is tackled off the ball as England try to launch again. Penalty to the hosts.

PENALTY! England 3-3 SOUTH AFRICA (Faf de Klerk penalty, 19 minutes)

17:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There are plenty of South Africans in for this one - a warm cheer around Twickenham as Faf de Klerk makes right on his earlier miss with his footing this time secure.

England 3-0 South Africa, 17 minutes

17:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The busy Coles is involved again as Evan Roos tries to make inroads around the corner. Coles locks his left arm around the neck of the South Africa number eight - he is penalised, and Faf de Klerk will bid to level things up.

England 3-0 South Africa, 16 minutes

17:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Faf de Klerk scurries blind from the back of a powerful South African scrum, with England doing well to scramble back in enough number to get to the scrum half’s stab through. Alex Coles is hauled out of play.

England 3-0 South Africa, 15 minutes

17:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Space appears for England on the left edge with Jack van Poortvliet’s service sharp. Marcus Smith is forced to stoop to floor to collect his scrum half’s pass, though, hurling away a pass in a hurried manner that Owen Farrell can only slap forward to Manu Tuilagi. South Africa will have a scrum.

England 3-0 South Africa, 14 minutes

17:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England line speed looks strong so far, with Jonny Hill, Alex Coles and Maro Itoje - England’s three long limbed lumberers - up in the face of a clutch of South African forwards as Faf de Klerk flicks away from a ruck.

PENALTY! ENGLAND 3-0 South Africa (Owen Farrell penalty, 13 minutes)

17:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A perhaps necessary nerve-steadier for Owen Farrell after that uncharacteristic opening miss. A confident stride up to the ball and through it flies to get the scoring underway.

England 0-0 South Africa, 12 minutes

17:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Angus Gardner calls both front rows into his office for a chat after releasing a displeased huff on the whistle after the scrum fails to set properly.

The Australian referee waits for the next scrum to fracture before awarding the penalty England’s way with Frans Malherbe turned in.

England 0-0 South Africa, 10 minutes

17:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Freddie Steward is up in pursuit of Marcus Smith’s latest hanging punt, with Damian Willemse high above the England full back but unable to take cleanly.

Tommy Freeman briefly threatens to round the South African defence on the far left, but can’t remain infield. Back for the England scrum.

Missed penalty! England 0-0 South Africa, 9 minutes

17:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wow. That’s a shocking miss from Owen Farrell, tugging it to the left inexplicably from bang in front. Curious - the England captain insisted yesterday that he had kicked normally all week after taking a bang during last week’s game, but that was a horrible start from the tee.

England 0-0 South Africa, 8 minutes

17:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Angus Gardner whistles England’s way again with South Africa’s midfield up too soon at the lineout. Owen Farrell will seek to succeed where Faf de Klerk failed...

England 0-0 South Africa, 7 minutes

17:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Maro Itoje hits Marvin Orie as the lock lands after taking another English drop-kick, this time from the 22, and in pile a clutch of English forwards in support to earn a penalty.

Missed penalty! England 0-0 South Africa, 6 minutes

17:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An unfortunate slip for Faf de Klerk right as he makes contact with his left peg. The ball is thus pushed away - three points gone for South Africa.

England 0-0 South Africa, 4 minutes

17:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mako Vunipola comes under pressure from Malherbe once more and slips his bind. Penalty to South Africa - Faf de Klerk is on kicking duties and takes the tee.

England 0-0 South Africa, 3 minutes

17:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mako Vunipola fails to take the heat of the hit from Frans Malherbe, and is duly free kicked.

Faf de Klerk gives brief thought to taking a quick tap, but is soon back in position to feed as his forwards get ready to scrum again.

England 0-0 South Africa, 2 minutes

17:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The rarest of aerial errors from Freddie Steward draws a shocked gasp from the Twickenham crowd, the England full back taking his eye off the ball at the last moment as South Africa chased hard up the left.

The Springboks will have the scrum feed 35 metres from the England line.

England 0-0 South Africa, 1 minute

17:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A lifted Marvin Orie takes a hanging kick off very competently, and Faf de Klerk kicks long upfield.

Marcus Smith returns with his own hoist, with Willie Le Roux taking nicely.

England turnover possession! Kyle Sinckler rushes up into the South African 22, but Franco Mostert is swiftly in to win back the ball.

KICK OFF!

17:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England vs South Africa is underway!

Off we go!

17:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Right - to action. England are in white, South Africa in green.

Owen Farrell will kick things off.

Doddie Weir passes away

17:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two fine anthems here at Twickenham, but some rather sad news has landed just before kick off, with Scotland confirming that the great Doddie Weir has passed away. A titan on and off the pitch - our thoughts are with his family and friends.

And out come the rest of them

17:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa and England follow Tuilagi out as the fireworks and flames fly.

Manu Tuilagi hits 50

17:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

First out of the Twickenham tunnel is Manu Tuilagi to a great roar from the home fans, the centre swinging those great muscular arms back and forth as he readies himself for his fourth and final task of the autumn.

Team News - South Africa

17:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

With their England and France-based players unavailable due to this game taking place outside of the World Rugby stipulated Test window, South Africa are forced to make a number of changes. Evan Roos wins his third cap at number eight, while Eben Etzebeth partners Marvin Orie in the second row after missing out on the win over Italy.

Despite Manie Libbok’s impressive showing in Genoa, Damian Willemse remains at fly-half, while Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel are reunited in midfield. The bench is intriguing, too, with plenty of breakdown threat held in reserve, including two flankers in Marco van Staden and Kwagga Smith.

South Africa XV: O Nche, B Mbonambi, F Malherbe; E Etzebeth, M Orie; S Kolisi (capt.), F Mostert, E Roos; F de Klerk, D Willemse; M Mapimpi, D de Allende, J Kriel, K-L Arendse; W le Roux.

Replacements: M Marx, S Kitshoff, T du Toit, M van Staden, K Smith; J Hendrikse, M Libbok, C Moodie.

Team News - England

17:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a “horses for courses” England selection, according to Eddie Jones, with an emphasis on extra brawn and bounce in the forwards. The head coach believes a third specialist lineout jumper is essential to combat the Springboks, which opens an opportunity for Alex Coles on the blindside, while Mako Vunipola and Jamie George are in from the start with Jones feeling that the punch that Ellis Genge and Luke Cowan-Dickie could offer later in the game may be valuable against South Africa’s so-called “Bomb Squad”.

Tommy Freeman makes his first appearance of the autumn on the wing after a promising tour of Australia in the summer, while Manu Tuilagi finally hits 50 caps - 134 England games and more than 11 years after the centre made his international debut.

England XV: M Vunipola, J George, K Sinckler; M Itoje, J Hill; A Coles, T Curry, B Vunipola; J van Poortvliet, M Smith; J May, O Farrell, M Tuilagi, T Freeman; F Steward.

Replacements: L Cowan-Dickie, E Genge, W Stuart, D Ribbans, S Simmonds; B Youngs, H Slade, J Nowell

On to England vs South Africa...

17:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We’ll have the full post-mortem on another horrible defeat for Wales over the next few days, but for now we must switch our attentions to Twickenham, where both sets of players have just disappeared down the tunnel and are preparing for kick off...

F/T! Wales 34-39 Australia

17:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Welsh players look to the heavens, wondering quite how they managed to throw that away. It was so much better from Wayne Pivac’s side, but a horrific final quarter collapse condemns them to another demoralising home defeat. Will Pivac survive to go again in the Six Nations?

As for Australia, what fight they showed at the end. Given the injuries they had to contend with ahead of this game, and the predicament they found themselves in on 60 minutes, that’s a quite brilliant win.

FULL TIME! WALES 34-39 AUSTRALIA

17:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Wales 34-39 Australia, 81 minutes

17:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales play off the top into midfield. One by one their forwards are launched into the Wallabies’ wall, the gold bricks remaining firm in their structure.

Australia have the ball! Away it is punted into the crowd and they’ve snatched a remarkable victory!

Wales 34-39 Australia, 80 minutes

17:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Penalty to Wales! Matthew Carley is the friendly bartender at the last chance saloon, penalising an Australian supporting player for going off their feet as they try to clearout a ruck.

Wales kick down into the Australian 22. This will be the final play.

TRY! Wales 34-37 AUSTRALIA (Lachlan Lonergan try, 79 minutes)

17:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What an extraordinary turnaround!

Nawaqanitawase started a merry dance up the left, Fraser McReight and Tate McDermott swapping in and providing perfect support. McDermott was cut in half from behind by Josh Macleod but hung on, ensuring the ball is quick.

To the right, and Kieran Hardy can’t quite gather as he tries to intercept. The ball spills free, bouncing up for Lachlan Lonergan, who scampers in to put Australia into an improbable lead.

Noah Lolesio converts with just a minute for his side to see out for the win.

Wales 34-32 Australia, 78 minutes

17:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This time Nawaqanitawase cuts into space! Through pour his Australian teammates with Wales in real strife...

Wales 34-32 Australia, 77 minutes

17:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There must surely be spaces for Australia against 13 men - can the Wallabies find them? They search in the wider confines, but bodies are across to Mark Nawaqanitawase before he can make much metreage up the left.

Kicked away! Good defence from Wales to force Australia to play territory with no obvious attacking options apparent.

Wales 34-32 Australia, 75 minutes

17:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

...But it matters not as Wales are penalised!

Wales 34-32 Australia, 74 minutes

17:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An error from Australia at the restart! There is little pressure on Tom Wright as he settles beneath it, but through his arms it tumbles.

Knock on. Wales take off Alex Cuthbert and bring Ken Owens back on to ensure they have a qualified hooker on...

PENALTY TRY! Wales 34-32 AUSTRALIA (73 minutes)

17:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Penalty try! Ryan Elias is deemed to have caused the collapse of the Australian maul and Matthew Carley trots beneath the posts after a consultation with the TMO.

It’s all falling apart for Wales. Elias will spend the remainder of this contest in the sin bin, with Justin Tipuric still more than three minutes away from a return. Australia now trail by only two.

TMO check! Wales 34-25 Australia, 73 minutes

17:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Down comes the maul in a heap in-goal - where is the ball? Matthew Carley peers in between the tangled limbs - he can’t quite spot it. Can the TMO?

Wales 34-25 Australia, 72 minutes

17:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia draw a penalty as they sustain an effort inside the Welsh 22. Take the points and make it a single score game?

Nope, to the corner!

Wales 34-25 Australia, 71 minutes

17:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This could be a grand finish. Australia, with a man advantage, are encouraged to play, keeping the ball alive even with Wales up quickly in their faces. Space opens on the blindside and Fraser McReight wisely finds it, waiting for Tate McDermott to join him in support after the scrum half had passed to the flanker.

McDermott kicks on with Mark Nawaqanitawase chasing hard. Joe Hawkins covers superbly but can’t get any kind of purchase on his clearance, knocking on as he tries to regather.

TRY! Wales 34-25 AUSTRALIA (Mark Nawaqanitawse try, 68 minutes)

16:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s life in this contest yet!

Shrewd thinking from the Wallabies, attacking the space at the back of the Welsh defensive lineout that Justin Tipuric might usually occupy.

Lachlan Lonergan hits his jumper and then takes a pass, peeling around and forcing Jac Morgan to step up and in to hit him. Lonergan’s blind inside ball hits an onrushing Mark Nawaqanitawase, angling off the blindside wing with his huge thighs pumping and charging up through an open gorge in the Welsh defence.

Alex Cuthbert and Rhys Priestland can’t deny the wing; over goes the conversion to move Australia even nearer.

YELLOW CARD! Justin Tipuric is sent to the sin bin! Wales 34-18 Australia, 67 minutes

16:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hang on - Samu’s stumble was caused by a surreptitious trip from Justin Tipuric. That’s a good spot from the TMO - Matthew Carley sends the Wales captain from the field as he produces a yellow card.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website