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Rugby Union

England suffer record defeat against South Africa

26/05/2007

England have sustained a record loss at the hands of South Africa, losing 58-10.

Brain Ashton's team, missing key players through injury, illness and club duties were overcome by a full strength South African team in Bloemfontein.

The South African's ran in a total of seven tries, four of which came in the last ten minutes.

The depleted England team looked like they would hold their own with the scores standing at only 6-0 after the first quarter of an hour.

However tries by Ashwin Willemse, Bryan Habana and Jean de Villiers meant the visiting team went in 30-3 down at half time.

There was a glimmer of home when James Simpson-Daniel crossed the line after the break and Jonny Wilkinson followed up with the conversion.

However it proved not to be and further tries from Schalk Burger, Francois Steyn, a second from Habana and CJ van der Linde condemned England to a record defeat.

There were further problems for Coach Brian Ashton with Ian Balshaw being removed from the game with a serious-looking ankle injury after 58 minutes.

With the second test in Pretoria next weekend, the England camp will look for considerable improvements to prevent a similar result.


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