Boks have tasted Twickenham success

SARugbymag.co.za looks back at the last five Tests between England and the Springboks at Twickenham, four of which were won by the visitors.

2008: England 6 Springboks 42

The world champion Springboks handed England a record defeat at Twickenham. Tries to Danie Rossouw and Ruan Pienaar helped give the visitors a 20-6 half-time lead and another three second-half tries – from Adrian Jacobs, Jaque Fourie and reigning IRB Player of the Year Bryan Habana – completed the rout.

2010: England 11 Springboks 21

The Boks were missing key players in Schalk Burger, John Smit, Fourie de Preez and Bryan Habana, but were still able to extend their winning streak against England to seven. The teams went into half-time locked at 6-6, but tries from Willem Alberts and Lwazi Mvovo put the visitors ahead 21-6. Ben Foden scored a late interception try for England.

2012: England 15 Springboks 16

A fortuitous try from Willem Alberts – when Ben Youngs’ clearance kick hit JP Pietersen and eluded Ben Morgan – gave the Boks a 16-6 lead, before penalties from Toby Flood and Owen Farrell brought England back to within four. But the hosts’ efforts ended in controversy when captain Chris Robshaw opted to kick a late penalty rather than go for the try that would have won them the game.

2014: England 28 Springboks 31

A first-half interception try by Jan Serfontein and a try from Cobus Reinach early in the second half saw the Boks lead 20-6. England fought back well to narrow the gap to five, but Pat Lambie’s late drop goal ensured the Boks would extend their unbeaten run against England to 12. The hosts scored a late consolation try.

2016: England 37 Springboks 21

England ended a 12-match winless streak against the Boks with a convincing win at Twickenham. The hosts scored four tries through Jonny May, Courtney Lawes, George Ford and Owen Farrell, with the Boks crossing the line through Johan Goosen and Willie le Roux. England led 20-9 at half-time.