ReportSpringboksThe Guardian Rugby · Planet Rugby4 Jul· updated 5d ago

Springboks demolish England 45-21 in Nations Championship opener at Ellis Park

South Africa ran in seven tries to beat England 45-21 in Johannesburg, building a dominant 17-0 lead before withstanding an England fightback to dominate the Nations Championship opener.

South Africa opened the Nations Championship with a commanding 45-21 victory over England at Ellis Park, running in seven tries in a performance that underlined their standing as world champions.

The Springboks made a blistering start, racing into a 17-0 lead inside 12 minutes, but England clawed back to trail 17-14 at the break before South Africa took control in the second half. England were ultimately reduced to 13 men, and South Africa punished them emphatically to close out a one-sided contest.

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