By Harry Hawkins 

Three tries inside the first quarter proved too much for England to recover from at Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon, as South Africa completed a series victory over their English opposition. A spirited counter-attack by Chris Robshaw and his team in the second half lifted the team to within touching distance of victory over their hosts, but a late JP Pietersen try underlined South Africa’s victory.

It was a frenetic opening by South Africa, reminiscent of their brutal third quarter performance last weekend. First Willem Alberts crossed following a Habana break on the left wing and just a few minutes later Bismarck du Plessis scored South Africa’s second.

Toby Flood and Morne Steyn exchanged penalties but it was not long before South Africa had their third, this time Francois Hougaard darting between defenders after more industrious running from the South African forwards.

It was Youngs who kindled a glimmer of hope for England in the 24th minute. The Leicester scrum-half took a penalty quickly, before feeding a flying Chris Ashton who drew the final defender and passed to Toby Flood. Flood pirouetted underneath the posts and duly converted for England’s first try, taking the score to 22-10.

Momentum remained with South Africa, however, who went in at half-time two scores clear courtesy of an opportunistic drop goal by Morne Steyn.

Steyn added a further penalty after the break, but the complexion of the game changed in the 52nd minute when the impressive Ben Youngs latched onto an overthrown South African lineout to score.

The try, converted by Flood, proved to be the start of a bright period for England and although it was South Africa who were next to score a penalty, England scored their third try moments later. The forwards caught and drove a lineout close to the Springbok line and the attack culminated in Youngs darting for his second. Flood converted once more to make the score 31-27.

England were destined not to score again but continued to press and South Africa looked genuinely rattled. A chip ahead by Ben Foden with Ashton in pursuit was fielded remarkably by Francois Steyn; the threat was diffused and moments later it was JP Pietersen who latched onto a loose ball to break upfield.

South Africa swung play left and right, and ultimately it was Pietersen who finished off the move that he himself had started.

At 36-27 South Africa were clear and although England continued to attack in the dying minutes, the Springboks closed out a victory much more narrow than they may have expected.

The result seals the series victory for South Africa and credit will go to Heyneke Meyer for a victorious start to his tenure. There are positives for England too, though, who can ultimately find consolation in their defiant comeback, despite losing the series.

The sides meet once more next weekend, with only pride now at stake for England and the incentive of a whitewash for South Africa.

Follow Harry on Twitter @Hawkins_Rugby