(Adds details)
By Ken Borland
JOHANNESBURG, June 16 (Reuters) – Wing JP Pietersen helped
South Africa to fight off a stirring England comeback to win the
second test 36-27 at Ellis Park on Saturday.
South Africa dominated the first half and had stretched
their lead to 28-10 after 47 minutes before England clawed their
way back to 31-27 with 15 minutes remaining.
But their run was halted when Pietersen set off from his own
half, bumping off defenders, to put the Springboks on attack.
Eighthman Pierre Spies helped to send the ball wide for
Pietersen to dive over for the match-winning try.
The Springbok forwards had pounded England with their
direct, powerful running in the first half, earning tries for
bruising flank Willem Alberts, hooker Bismarck du Plessis and
scrumhalf Francois Hougaard.
South Africa led 22-3 after the first quarter and England
showed their character through two tries by scrumhalf Ben Youngs
and one by flyhalf Toby Flood, who also scored three conversions
and two penalties in a faultless goal-kicking display.
But the single moment of magic of Pietersen denied England
from pulling off a comeback victory.
Continued…
