Maro Itoje shares message with fans after fifth consecutive defeat

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England’s rugby woes deepened as the men in white suffered their fifth consecutive defeat, falling to reigning world champions South Africa at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.

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Ollie Sleightholme: Early Hopes Dashed

It started brightly for England, with wing Ollie Sleightholme darting over in the corner just three minutes in, igniting hopes of an upset. But the Springboks had other ideas, responding ruthlessly with tries from speedster Grant Williams, powerhouse Pieter-Steph du Toit, and the ever-elusive Cheslin Kolbe.

Sam Underhill: Charging Back

Flanker Sam Underhill's determined try cut South Africa's lead to just two points before halftime, breathing life into England’s challenge. Yet, after the break, it was Kolbe who struck again, delivering a clinical blow to England's comeback dreams. South Africa's game management and relentless defence left England scrambling, and the home side couldn’t find a way through.

Worst Streak Since 2018

England’s current slump mirrors their five-match losing streak under Eddie Jones back in 2018. The southern hemisphere giants—New Zealand, Australia, and now South Africa—have all left Allianz Stadium victorious in successive weekends.

Maro Itoje: Rallying Cry to Supporters

Vice-captain Maro Itoje took to Instagram with a message for England's devoted fans: "Know we haven't got the results we all wanted but we're all working hard to get back on track. Thanks for the loyal support as always." Despite the losses, he remains hopeful, vowing that the team will strive to make things right.

Editors picks:

• Sir Clive Woodward slams England players behaviour after fifth straight loss
• Springboks Employ Controversial Tactic England Faced Criticism For Using
• RFU have already made Final Call on Sacking England Boss Steve Borthwick
• Bookies Favourites to Replace Under-Fire Steve Borthwick – Including Two Former England Bosses
• Fans turn on captain George after interview following latest defeat

Five England players Steve Borthwick should drop – and who should replace them

RUCK's Autumn Nations Series coverage is proudly powered by the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, dedicated to creating a world free of MND. Join the the fight against MND here.

Here's how each player fared, with ratings from multiple outlets:

#1. Freddie Steward – High Ball Hero, Defensive Zero?

Average Rating: 4.75/10

• Evening Standard (5/10):
  “Handed a first start this autumn due to his ability under the high ball, but struggled. Williams and Kolbe skinned him for their tries.”
• Telegraph (5/10):
  “Definition of sublime and ridiculous. Left clutching thin air for both Grant Williams' and Cheslin Kolbe's tries and at one stage did a face plant. Also some brilliant high-ball takes.”
• Express (4/10):
  “At fault for tries by Kolbe and Williams as he endured a difficult return to starting line-up.”
• Rugby Pass (5/10):
  “Exposed defensively for two tries, despite strong aerial work.”

Replacement: George Furbank – He shouldn't have been dropped in the first place.

#2. Ellis Genge – The Genge Rollercoaster

Average Rating: 4.5/10

• Evening Standard (5/10):
  “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.”
• Express (4/10):
  “Scrum problems in first half, usual full-blooded commitment for an hour.”

Replacement: Fin Baxter – Genge's leadership was strong, but a change may be needed in the tighthead role.

#3. Ollie Lawrence – Hits, Misses, and a Bit More of the Same

Average Rating: 5/10

• Telegraph (5/10):
  “Barely used as a ball-carrier again. Put one huge hit on Manie Libbok but also wasted a good attacking opportunity with a needless kick. Disappointing.”
• Planet Rugby (5/10):
  “Solid in attack but caught out in defense, continuing the trend of inconsistency.”
• Express (5/10):
  “Hit hard and carried hard, but in this fixture that is a minimum requirement.”

Replacement: Alex Lozowski – Needs to step in to provide more stability and spark in attack.

#4. Will Stuart – Scrum Woes and Penalty Troubles

Average Rating: 4.5/10

• Telegraph (4/10):
  “Difficult to overlook the succession of three penalties, even if the third seemed harsh. Did get one back at the scrum in the second half.”
• Express (5/10):
  “England again unable to build any sort of attacking platform from their scrum against the mighty Boks.”

Replacement: Dan Cole – Still England’s best tighthead.

#5. Jack van Poortvliet – Struggling to Find His Rhythm

Average Rating: 4.5/10

• Evening Standard (5/10):
  “Shaky at times and repeatedly had his box-kicks charged down.”
• Planet Rugby (5/10):
  “Never fully recovered from a shaky start, with multiple box kicks charged down by du Toit and Etzebeth.”
• Express (3/10):
  “First start in a long while and it showed. Repeatedly charged down at the base.”
• Telegraph (5/10):
  “Etzebeth made him his bunny, charging him down twice in a hesitant early performance.”

Replacement: Ben Spencer – Should've been given more game time from the start.

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