Allianz Stadium has served up plenty of pulsating Test matches this autumn, but once again England found themselves on the wrong side of the result as they lost to South Africa.

There is no disgrace in that, given the Springboks are back-to-back World Champions and the best team on the planet right now.

This defeat will, nonetheless, sting for Steve Borthwick. This loss to the Springboks made it five defeats on the spin for England, which is their worst run since 2018. England have now also only won 13 of their 27 matches under Borthwick, meaning his win percentage is below 50 per cent.

Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus was typically mischievous in the build-up to this Test, correctly predicting that England would select Freddie Steward at full-back and also stressing how much pressure his counterpart, Borthwick, is under.

“I’ve been there and certainly know how quickly that can get to you,” said Erasmus. “Now Steve is a bit under pressure.

“It depends on your CEO – they can make you feel like you have got a gun against your head.”

Borthwick will, surely, be feeling the heat now - even if the RFU backed him after last week’s loss to Australia.

Even in defeat this autumn, England have, in fairness, been entertaining - and this was no different. The first-half was a frantic, frankly bonkers affair and contained five tries inside the opening 30 minutes. Only once before has a opening half between these two sides had more than the 36 points chalked up this evening.

England kicked things off with a majestic try after a matter of minutes. Marcus Smith faked going for a drop-goal and started an attack down the left, with Ollie Sleightholme going over in the corner to mark his first start in style.

It was a sign of what was to come and South Africa roared back with three tries of their own. This Test had been billed as an arm wrestle, but the Springboks reminder everyone how they are much more than just physicality.

Scrum-half Grant Williams scythed through England’s defence after darting from the base of the ruck, stepping Steward before scoring. Two charged-down kicks in a row allowed Pieter-Steph du Toit to put South Africa further in front and, when Cheslin Kolbe added a third, you feared for England.

Kolbe’s try came after a great cross-field kick from Manie Libbok found the wing, who skipped past Steward to score.

At 19-10 down and with just over 20 minutes on the clock, the next score felt vital for England. Sam Underhill, making his first start of the autumn, delivered. The flanker powered over the line after a good passage of play that was kicked off by a strong carry from George Martin.

The final 10 minutes of the first-half lulled after that but, moments after the break, the Springboks were back at it. A great move from right to left ended with Kurt-Lee Arendse scoring in the corner - but a forward pass in the build-up saved England.

South Africa earned a reprieve shortly after too as England had a try of their own ruled out. Henry Slade thought he had put them ahead, but Maro Itoje was pinged for a penalty earlier in the move.

England did nudge ahead moments after that, thanks to a Smith penalty, but it was short-lived.

Handre Pollard nailed a penalty from just inside the England half, with the crossbar helping his effort over, and South Africa led 22-20 with 20 minutes to go.

England have struggled to close out games and at least here they were spared the painful ending of previous weeks. The Springboks got the job done with 15 minutes to go, with more Kolbe brilliance and an excellent conversion from Pollard putting them nine clear.

Borthwick’s side tried to rally after that and they were given a boost when South Africa prop Gerhard Steenekamp was sent to the bin with 10 minutes to go.

But England could not take advantage of that and they were left to lick their wounds once more.