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Rugby Union

Brave England overcome once more

02/06/2007

England's tour of South Africa has come to an end with a 55-22 loss in the second Test against the Springboks.

Brian Ashton's under-strength side improved on their first performance of the tour and even took an unlikely 19-17 lead into the interval.

But the world champions faded badly in the face of a powerful second half display from the hosts and, despite some valiant defence, the England tryline was breached eight times before the final whistle was blown.

With the South Africans failing to continue with the blistering form which crushed England in the latter part of the first Test, and Jonny Wilkinson spearheading a determined early display, the opening exchanges were unexpectedly even.

A fortunate bounce allowed Enrico Januarie to snatch up his own kick ahead and cross for the first try after 22 minutes, before Schalk Berger bulldozed over shortly after to extend the lead.

But Wilkinson's metronomic kicking slotted four penalties to keep the South Africans in sight at 17-12.

Dan Scarborough gave the visitors a further boost after seizing an interception and scampering under the posts on the brink of half-time.

Despite the sin-binning of winger Byran Habana for the early part of the half, the Springboks assumed almost total control after the break.

Bakkies Botha touched down on 44 minutes to open the way for Pierre Spies and Habana, who picked up two apiece, and veteran Percy Montgomery as England felt the full force of the Springbok backlash.

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