South Africa v England - Nations Championship result as seven-try Springboks open campaign with a statement victory
Nations Championship / Regular
Emirates Airline Park / 04.07.2026
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Updated 04/07/2026 at 19:16 GMT+1
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19:00
SEVEN-TRY SPRINGBOKS STORM PAST ENGLAND IN NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP OPENER
South Africa launched their Nations Championship campaign with a 45-21 victory over England at Ellis Park.
The Springboks ran in seven tries in their opening Test of 2026, to stretch their winning streak to 10 matches.
Rassie Erasmus' side were quick out of the blocks, as Thomas du Toit, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse all crossed inside the opening 15 minutes to establish a 17-0 lead.
A shell-shocked England managed to weather the storm, going close to getting on the scoreboard when Jamie George and Ollie Chessum saw tries chalked off.
However, with Arendse sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on, they capitalised with Ellis Genge and George Martin going over to reduce the deficit to 17-14.
South Africa got back on track when they returned to full strength in the second half, with Grant Williams and Jesse Kriel stretching their advantage to 31-14.
Alex Coles gave England hope 11 minutes from time, but the visitors' momentum halted when Tommy Freeman and Guy Pepper received yellow cards in the space of two minutes.
The Springboks subsequently ensured they finished with a flourish, as Malcolm Marx and Ben-Jason Dixon added further gloss to the scoreline late on.
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18:50
THE 54-YEAR WAIT FOR VICTORY CONTINUES
18:45
'WE HAD TO ASK SERIOUS QUESTIONS OF OURSELVES'
Let us get some reaction now from Damian de Allende, who was named Player of the Match.
"It was a tough old Test match," he said. "We started very well, but we all know how good the English team are. We knew they would come back, and at half-time, we had to ask serious questions of ourselves.
"I thought the way we started the second half - just like we started the first half - was incredible, and it was a great reaction from the players.
"I thought we defended very well. It was a great performance from the lads, and we look forward to next week."
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18:40
ENGLAND'S LOSING STREAK CONTINUES
England had both high quality and extreme altitude to contend with as they looked to upset the odds at Ellis Park.
It was never going to be easy in Johannesburg, a place where they only previously won in 1972.
Fresh from their worst Six Nations Championship, a heavy defeat looked on the cards at 17-0 down after 15 minutes.
Nevertheless, Borthwick's side responded well before half-time to move within touching distance of their opponents.
They had hope at just 10 points behind heading into the final 10 minutes. However, they were dashed by the yellow cards shown to Freeman and Pepper in quick succession.
South Africa capitalised on their numerical advantage to add further gloss to the scoreline in the dying moments.
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18:35
A STATEMENT START FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Two-time reigning world champions and now on a 10-match winning streak, South Africa are going to take some stopping in this inaugural Nations Championship.
It was unclear how The Springboks would perform, given it was their first Test of the calendar year.
Any question of rustiness was quickly swept aside, as they scored three tries inside the opening quarter of an hour.
Losing Arendse to the sin bin allowed England to reduce their arrears to just three points before half-time.
Nevertheless, Erasmus' words were clearly still ringing in the ears of his players, who began the second period with purpose to restore control on proceedings.
South Africa will be among the favourites to win this tournament. Seven tries and a bonus point later, they
are off to an ideal start.
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FT
FULL-TIME
South Africa 45-21 England
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80+1'
NO TRY
South Africa think they've hit the half-century, as Kriel spins and touches down under the posts.
However, a TMO review rules there was a knock-on in the build-up.
They'll have to settle for just the 45 points today!
80'
TRY!!! SOUTH AFRICA 45-21 ENGLAND (DIXON)
The Springboks are finishing with a flourish!
What should be the final try of the day comes from the player who wasn't even in the initial matchday squad!
The two extra men leave England with no chance, and Dixon profits to cross the line.
Kolbe converts his fifth kick from seven attempts today.
76'
TODAY'S ATTENDANCE
It's announced there are 52,790 inside the iconic Ellis Park today.
Not quite a sellout, but a magnificent atmosphere nevertheless.
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74'
TRY!!! SOUTH AFRICA 38-21 ENGLAND (MARX)
It doesn't take long for the Springboks to take advantage!
Their leading try scorer gets in on the act, as Marx touches down following a hard surge to the line.
Kolbe converts South Africa's sixth try of the day.
73'
ANOTHER YELLOW CARD
England are down to 13 for the remainder of this clash, with Pepper following Freeman to the bin.
He's penalised for an early tackle, and South Africa can potentially fill their boots here...
71'
YELLOW CARD
England's momentum is halted with Freeman sent to the bin after connecting with Willemse's head during his challenge.
The referee shows the yellow card to the centre, though it is currently under review.
69'
TRY!!! SOUTH AFRICA 31-21 ENGLAND (COLES)
It's not over yet!
England enjoy a late surge with Mitchell feeding Coles for a try to the right of the posts.
Fin Smith converts and there's still hope for the visitors.
66'
THE LOSING STREAK CONTINUES?
It certainly appears that way for England, who trail by three scores with a quarter of an hour remaining.
After losing their last four matches at this year's Six Nations Championship, this would be a fifth straight Test defeat.
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62'
HIGH-SCORING SPRINGBOKS
Since they successfully defended their World Cup crown in 2023, South Africa have now scored 30 or more points in 21 of their last 30 matches.
You'd fancy the Springboks to add to that tally inside the final 20 minutes.
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58'
TRY!!! SOUTH AFRICA 31-14 ENGLAND (KRIEL)
The Springboks are firmly back on top in this Nations Championship opener!
South Africa are just too powerful for their opponents, and Marx feeds Kriel for a charge to the line.
Kolbe brilliantly converts from a tight angle.
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18:02
WHAT DO WE THINK?
53'
A TOUGH TASK BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE
England may now trail by 10 points, but they aren't out of this contest by any means.
It's worth noting they were victorious on their most recent visit to South Africa, prevailing 25-10 in Cape Town eight years ago.
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49'
CLOSE
England almost respond immediately, as Fin Smith spots a gap before offloading to Atkinson.
The latter can't gather, though, and knocks it on, as South Africa survive.
46'
TRY!!! SOUTH AFRICA 24-14 ENGLAND (WILLIAMS)
The Springboks get back on track, and secure the bonus point!
Whatever Erasmus said to his players at half-time had the desired effect, following their purposeful start to the second period.
An early surge culminates in Williams dashing through a gap in the defence to touch down, before Kolbe converts.
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