England clinch dramatic 27-26 win over South Africa

England signed off on 2021 in style as they edged 2019 Rugby World Cup winners South Africa 27-26 in Twickenham.

England secured a 17-6 lead midway through the first half as Manu Tuilagi and Freddie Steward crossed for the hosts.

But Handre Pollard's boot kept the Boks in the fight as they turned the screw after the break.

The world champions' mix of rock-solid mentality and physicality seemed to have won it when Makazole Mapimpi went over out wide on 69 minutes.

However, England fought to the death, as head coach Eddie Jones predicted they would have to, and fly-half Marcus Smith held his nerve to slot the decisive penalty in the 79th minute.

In another match, Scotland defeated Japan 29-20.

[Source: BBC]