- Springbok manager Jacques Nienaber said their 27-13 win against England at Twickenham was special for him and their captain Siya Kolisi.
- The Boks won their first match at the south London ground since 2014 with the most convincing margin since their 42-6 win in 2009.
- England manager Eddie Jones admitted the Springboks did better on their basics and deserved to win.
In London
Springbok manager Jacques Nienaber hailed their 27-13 win against England at Twickenham on Saturday as “special” as the Boks overcame their south London bogey with a powerful and uncompromising attacking display.
With the win, the Boks secured their first success at Twickenham since a 31-28 triumph in 2014.
It was a result that left Nienaber satisfied as the Boks had shades of imperfection, but they also went in the front door that England said they would.
That the victory came after three failed attempts by three managers was important to Nienaber, who credited his forwards for maintaining form and composure.
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The Boks had to win the hard way, with right prop Thomas du Toit being sent off on the hour mark for a shoulder charge to the head from England hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie.
“There were a couple of special wins this year, but we haven’t been able to get a result here since 2014 and England are a quality team,” said a satisfied Nienaber.
“It’s a tough place to come and get a result. It was my and Siya’s first win here, so yeah, it was a special win.”
“The forwards excelled in the game and gave us an excellent platform. The defenders made good use of their opportunities.
“It was a proper team effort in terms of the forwards setting up a platform and the defenders trying.”
England manager Eddie Jones found himself not only on the back of a third defeat against the Boks since taking over in 2015, but also a first at home with England’s widest margin of defeat against the Boks in home since the 42-6 thrashing in 2009. .
ABSTRACT | Mighty Springboks tear England apart to silence Twickenham faithful
Jones admitted that the Boks were vastly superior in the set pieces and kicking departments. The defeat was that of England at home in the Autumn Nations series, but the one that can hurt the most.
“When you miss the kicking and set pieces, it’s hard to get into the game,” Jones said.
“I can’t complain about the effort of our team and they came in with a good desire for how we wanted to play.
“However, when you lose those key contests, it’s hard to turn the game around and find a way to get into the game.”
