South Africa inflict a fifth successive Test defeat on England

South Africa secured a fifth successive Test win over England, powering past the visitors 45-21 at Ellis Park after a dramatic night of swings in momentum. The Springboks lost captain Siya Kolisi and second-row enforcer Eben Etzebeth to injury hours before kick-off, but raced into a 17-0 lead within 12 minutes. England responded with tries from Ellis Genge and George Martin, yet the match tilted decisively when Tommy Freeman and Guy Pepper were sent to the sin-bin, forcing England to play the final seven minutes with 13 men. Steve Borthwick’s side were ultimately blown away late. The result deepens questions at the start of the Nations Championship, following a promising loss to France in March, with Fiji and Argentina next on a July tour. George Furbank’s appendicitis also threatens their schedule.