A penalty from Marcus Smith at the very last minute of play allowed Eddie Jones' men, who scored three tries against one for the South Africans, to win a thrilling game that almost escaped them due to numerous penalties conceded.

The transition started by the XV de la Rose after its fifth place in the last Six Nations Tournament seems to be starting to bear fruit with this victory which could mark a milestone.

During the first period, the English often hurt the defense of the world champions, who gave in twice.

After putting the Springboks scrum at fault in their 22 meters, they opted for a touch at 5 meters and initiated several movements that ended up creating a shift to the left, from which Manu Tuilagi took advantage, who unfortunately was injured on the action (7-0, 8th).

The English center Manu Tuilagi scores the first try against South Africa, during their last test match of the autumn tour, on November 20, 2021 at Twickenham Stadium in London Adrian DENNIS AFP

It was then Freddie Steward, all in power, who won three opponents into the in-goal to give them an eleven point lead in the middle of the first act (14-3, 18th).

England full-back Freddie Steward scores the second try against South Africa in their final test match of the autumn tour on November 20, 2021 at Twickenham Stadium in London Adrian DENNIS AFP

South African clumsy

Unfortunately for her, England then conceded too many penalties which allowed Handré Pollard to reduce the gap to five lengths at the break (17-12), while the Springboks are the kings of the last 40 minutes, since they've won the second period 23 times in their last 27 tests.

South African opener Handre Pollard changes a penalty against England, during their last test match of the autumn tour, on November 20, 2021 at Twickenham Stadium in London Glyn KIRK AFP

Without quite unusual failures from Pollard on penalties (44th, 48th), or a narrowly missed drop from François Steyn (60th), South Africa could have turned the game upside down.

Elton Jantjies still managed to put the Springboks in the lead for the first time in the 64th (17-18), but the locals immediately reacted with a superb try from the young Raffi Quirke (20), transformed by Smith (24 -18, 66th).

In the minute that followed, Will Stuart received a yellow card which was sanctioned by a try from Makazole Mapimpi (69th) and a penalty from Steyn, resulting in a new change of command in score (24-26, 73rd)

South African winger Makazole Mapimpi (r), congratulated by Faf de Klerk (l) and Lukhanyo Am, after his try against England, in their final test match of the autumn tour, on November 20 2021 at Twickenham Stadium in London Anne-Christine POUJOULAT AFP

But the English struggled to blame their opponent against the posts and Smith did not shake to plunge Twickenham into ecstasy.

With successes against Tonga, Australia and South Africa, England ends this international streak with a lot of hope, for lack of real certainties.

South Africa, who had previously dominated Wales and Scotland, know they will have to polish their weapons if they are to retain their title in two years in France.

© 2021 AFP