Boks show their RWC gameplan

 

The win stretched the Springboks’ unbeaten run over England to 12 matches, dating back to November 2006. It was also South Africa’s fifth successive victory at Twickenham.

 

Pat Lambie contributed 16 points with the boot via a well-taken drop goal late in the match, three penalty goals and two conversions. The Springboks’ three tries were scored by Jan Serfontein, Cobus Reinach and Schalk Burger.

 

"I'm very proud of the guys because we really adjusted the game plan to the conditions," said Meyer.

 

"I thought tactically we were very astute."

 

“Even though it was wet and the ball was quite slippery, we still scored three tries, while there could’ve been a fourth.

 

“I also thought the players did very well to keep their composure and take back the lead after England scored two quick tries early in the second half.

 

“Our challenge this week is to keep building on this performance when we face Italy in Padova next weekend. We have to lift the intensity even more.”

 

South Africa were 20-6 up early in the second half but then, with Springbok lock Victor Matfield in the sin-bin, saw their remaining forwards unable to stop England's pack driving over prop David Wilson and replacement No 8 Ben Morgan for a pair of scores that levelled the match at 20-20.

 

Yet with England, roared on by a crowd of more than 82,000, seemingly revitalised, it was two-time world champions South Africa – with Matfield still off the field – who scored next thanks to a try by flank Schalk Burger.

 

"Sometimes you have to have a game like this where you do the basics right, ground out a win," said Meyer.

 

"That's also Test match rugby and, for me, that's World Cup-winning rugby. There's going to be three knockout games and sometimes you have to play like this as well."

 

Springbok captain Jean de Villiers said: “I think we set the tone with some brilliant defence early in the match and controlled matters in the first half. We definitely didn’t lack anything when it came to physicality or controlled aggression.

 

“We also had good ball, which made things easier. I think all things considered it was a good performance, but we know there are still areas where we can improve on and have to keep on working hard to fix that.”

 

Meanwhile Lambie, still only 24 but playing his 38th international, guided the Springboks around Twickenham with the assurance of a Test veteran.

 

In total, he kicked 16 points, including the match-clinching drop-goal that sealed South Africa's victory four minutes from time by putting them two scores ahead.

 

"Pat's always played well for us end of year, specifically in this weather," explained Meyer ahead of next week's Test against Italy.

 

"He's a very level-headed guy and took the right options, especially the drop goal. It was the right type of game for him and he showed he's a match-winner."

 

Reinach, labelled a "revelation at nine" by Meyer, stunned England with a superb try less than a minute into the second half.

 

Lambie's well-judged chip ahead was gathered, at pace, by fullback and IRB player of the year nominee Willie Le Roux, who then delivered the scoring pass to Reinach, the son of late Springbok wing Jaco.

 

"That's where the game is going," said De Villiers.

 

"Turnover ball, open, broken-field play and being able to get your 'X-factor' guys into it, guys like Willie, who can really turn on the magic on.

 

"It was a fantastic offload and Cobus, in his first start for South Africa, scoring a try.

 

"His dad was a Springbok and I think he would have been very proud of him tonight."

 

Furthermore, loose forward Burger has been released from the squad and will fly to South Africa on Sunday.

 

“A decision was taken prior to the tour that Schalk will be released from the squad on Sunday,” said Meyer.

 

“We still have good depth at loose forward and can also look at bringing in reinforcements if necessary.”