South Africa inflict a fifth successive Test defeat on England

The visitors initially looked overawed by the occasion.

South Africa were too sharp for England at Ellis Park. Pic: AP/Themba Hadebe

England endured a fifth straight Test defeat after a rollercoaster night at Ellis Park ended with South Africa turning on the power to emerge emphatic 45-21 winners.

The Springboks lost captain Siya Kolisi and second row enforcer Eben Etzebeth to injury just hours before kick-off but still started like a freight train to build a 17-0 lead inside 12 minutes.

England initially looked overawed by the occasion as they sought only their second victory at the spiritual home of South African rugby, but once shaken from their stupor they roared back into contention with tries by Ellis Genge and George Martin.

Martin’s marauding finish down the left touchline was a highlight of the night, but the world champions then went up a gear with their path to victory made simpler when England were forced to play with the last seven minutes with 13 men after Tommy Freeman and Guy Pepper had been sent to the sin-bin.