England player ratings vs South Africa: Sam Underhill a machine but Freddie Steward struggles
England suffered a fifth defeat in a row for the first time in six years after they were beaten by 29-20 by South Africa.
Five tries were scored during a pulsating first-half, with Ollie Sleightholme and Sam Underhill going over for England.
South Africa were lethal in attack too, though, and tries from Grant Williams, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Cheslin Kolbe meant they were in 19-17 up at the break.
The second-half proved far more cagey and the Springboks edged a tight game to claim a victory that piles more pressure on head coach Steve Borthwick.
Simon Collings was at Allianz Stadium to see England in action...
Backs
Handed a first start this autumn due to his ability under the high ball, but struggled. Williams and Kolbe skinned him for their tries.
Tommy Freeman 7
More involved than he has been in recent weeks, making a few bright carries. Proved a useful weapon in attack when competing for kicks.
Ollie Lawrence 6
Struggled against South Africa’s powerful centres when trying to carry. The high percentage of kicks did not suit him, either.
Henry Slade 6
Involved in the sharp move for Sleightholme’s early try. Unlucky to have his own try ruled out shortly after half-time. Missed tackle on Damian de Allende proved costly as South Africa scored a fourth try.
Ollie Sleightholme 7
Given his full debut after scoring two tries last week off the bench. Off the mark this time inside four minutes. Electric.
Sensational play for England’s opener when he dummied a drop goal to spark an attack down the left. One of England’s best players, again.
Jack van Poortvliet 5
One of four changes as the scrum-half made his first appearance of the autumn. Shaky at times and repeatedly had his box-kicks charged down.
Forwards
Ellis Genge 5
Let Williams slip past him as the scrum-half went over for South Africa’s opening try. Improved after that, though, and was bright in the loose - but not at his best.
Jamie George 6
Played his usual role of completing the first 50 minutes before coming off. Solid performance from the England captain.
Will Stuart 6
Fairly solid at scrum time against a powerful pack. Guilty of giving a few penalties away, though, including one just before he went off.
Maro Itoje 6
Penalty for dangerous play at a ruck cost England as Slade’s try was ruled out. Usually so dominant, but no match for the Boks power.
George Martin 7
His big carry started an attack that ended with Underhill going over. His best game of the autumn so far.
Chandler Cunningham-South 6
Could not recreate the fireworks he managed against Australia against a formidable South African back row.
Sam Underhill 8 | Star player
Brought into the side as Tom Curry missed out due to concussion and scored a try inside the opening 30 minutes. Tackled like a machine and tireless at the breakdown.
Ben Earl 7
Crunched early on by a huge tackle from Siya Kolisi, but didn't take a step back after that. Battled at the breakdown and carried well. Like Slade, he let De Allende slip through him for the Boks’ fourth try.
Replacements
Luke Cowan-Dickie (George 48’) 6
The line-out wavered a bit when he came on, but he was good in the loose and at the ruck.
Tom Roebuck (Slade 48’) 6
On as an HIA replacement and won a penalty within a matter of minutes, which Smith slotted. A handy cameo.
Dan Cole (Stuart 59’) 6
On for the final 20 minutes to bring some experience.
Harry Randall (Van Poortvliet 61’) 6
Injected some pace off the bench and almost went over when darting off the base of a ruck.
Fin Baxter (Genge 64’) N/A
Alex Dombrandt (Underhill 67’) N/A
Nick Isiekwe (Martin 76’) N/A
Replacements not used: Ford
