South Africa 45-21 England
Springboks run in seven tries in one-sided contest
What a fabulous occasion this was, a thunderous classic to kick off the new-look Nations Championship. Anyone stumbling across the sport for the first time would have been truly staggered by the commitment of both teams, not to mention the spine-tingling pre-match rendition of “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika”. This was top-drawer sporting theatre in the spiritual home of South African rugby.
And when the smoke finally cleared on a cool, still Highveld evening it was the world champion Springboks who emerged battered but victorious. From 17-0 down after just 12 minutes England showed huge resolve to battle their way back to 17-14 at half-time but by the end, reduced to 13 men, the upstart visitors had been firmly put back in their place.
