South Africa 36 England 27: Lancaster’s men stage brave fightback but not enough to save series
By
Ian Stafford
17:47, 16 June 2012
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21:05, 16 June 2012
England were facing humiliation midway through this second Test match in Johannesburg, even if South Africa’s opening two tries were highly debatable.
But for the second week running, they showed extraordinary guts and commitment to make it a nervous night for the hosts after a second-half comeback full of character.
It was not enough to save the three-Test series as the Springboks now hold an unassailable 2-0 lead. But this young and inexperienced England team head for Port Elizabeth next Saturday with justifiable belief that they can still conjure something out of this tough tour.
Down and out: England look dejected as they lost the second Test and the series to South Africa
MATCH FACTS
South Africa:
Lambie (Olivier 44), Pietersen, de Villiers, Frans Steyn, Habana
(Pienaar 57), Morne Steyn, Hougaard, Mtawarira, Bismarck du Plessis
(Strauss 61), Jannie du Plessis (Werner Kruger 59), Etzebeth, Juandre
Kruger (Flip van der Merwe 62), Coetzee, Alberts (Daniel 52), Spies.
Subs Not Used: Basson.
Goals: Morne Steyn 16, 47, 59.
England: Foden,
Ashton, Joseph (Goode 78), Tuilagi, Strettle (Farrell 60), Flood, Ben
Youngs (Dickson 75), Marler (Corbisiero 56), Hartley (Mears 75), Cole,
Botha (Palmer 44), Parling, Johnson, Robshaw, Morgan (Waldrom 47).
Goals: Flood 10, 65.
Attendance: 60,101
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)
England came to Ellis Park on the back of eight successive defeats by South Africa, including last week’s 22-17 loss in Durban — a scoreline that, in truth, flattered the visitors.
The tourists yesterday brought in Toby Flood for Owen Farrell at stand-off, which was designed to ignite a more attacking game,.
With Manu Tuilagi playing his first Test at inside
Category: Africa News
