England v South Africa: that losing streak against the Springboks

England v South Africa

Nov 25, 2006 (Twickenham): England 14 South Africa 25
A real-turning point. England had beaten the Springboks 23-21, the previous week, halting a run of seven straight defeats.

This was South Africa’s first win at Twickenham in nine years. It was enough to save the career of beleaguered South Africa coach, Jake White.

Within the year, White had helped the Boks to recover fully and win the World Cup. Four weeks after this loss, England’s eighth in nine Tests, Andy Robinson was sacked.

May 26, 2007 (Bloemfontein): South Africa 58, England 10
The new coach, Brian Ashton, took a woefully under-strength squad to South Africa and England’s inherent weakness was compounded by illness.

This was England’s second worst defeat to any side.

June 2, 2007 (Pretoria): South Africa 55, England 22
England were again compromised by severe illness in camp. They were slightly more resilient but the scoreboard was absolutely damning.

2007 Sept 14 (Paris): England 0 South Africa 36
Horrible, just horrible. England’s heaviest World Cup defeat and a complete humiliation. “Like a knife to the heart, “ England veteran Lawrence Dallaglio was later to write.

A crisis meeting of players and officials prompted a radical change of attitude as well as of fortunes. Four weeks later the sides met in the World Cup final.

Oct 20 (Paris): England 6 South Africa 15
Was Mark Cueto’s foot in touch? Most people are still not sure. Video ref, Australian Stuart Dickinson, thought so, and that was that. A try then, two minutes into the second half, might have changed everything.

Nov 22, 2008 (Twickenham): England 6 South Africa 42
“It wasn’t a fun day,” reflected Martin Johnson on Thursday. It was only his third game in charge and it was England’s heaviest defeat at Twickenham in their history. Boos rang out from supporters at the final whistle.

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