England vs South Africa - Six memorable Test rugby clashes

The rivalry between South Africa and England has produced some of rugby's most memorable moments, each clash carrying a unique narrative reflective of the time.

From South Africa's transformation after the disastrous early 2000s, to the unifying power of the 2019 World Cup and the 2023 semi-final nail-biter, these games highlight the emotional and historical stakes that go beyond the pitch.

As the Springboks and England continue their storied rivalry on Saturday at Twickenham, both teams can draw inspiration from some memorable past clashes which reminded us of rugby's power to shape national identity, heal divisions, and sometimes simply provide fans with a memorable show.

England 53-3 SA - 2002 year-end Springboks tour to England

Memorable because: It was an omen to an historic occasion just around the corner

England's 53-3 demolition of South Africa at Twickenham in 2002 remains one of the most lopsided matches in the history of their rivalry. The result marked South Africa's heaviest defeat against England and highlighted the contrasting directions the two teams were heading at the time.

Under Clive Woodward, England were emerging as a dominant force in world rugby, blending powerful forwards with a clinical backline led by the inimitable Jonny Wilkinson. They were already coming off the back of wins over New Zealand and Australia heading into the game.

The Springboks, on the other hand, were mired in internal issues and inconsistent performances. The game was part of a European tour during which South Africa's struggles were on full display. England took full advantage, running in seven tries and showing superiority in every aspect of play.

Wilkinson pulled the strings, while players like Will Greenwood and Ben Cohen cut through the South African defense with ease. South Africa were as physical as they are today, but not as strategically smart, with their ill-discipline costing them throughout the game. Most memorably, Jannes Labuschagne was shown a red card for a late tackle on Wilkinson.

Then-newly appointed head coach Rudolf Straeuli was the Springboks' third in two years and would later be associated with the infamous Kamp Staaldraad boot camp ahead of the 2003 Rugby World Cup, which England won.

Robbie Fleck, who started at outside centre for the Springboks that day, recalls that England were reaping the rewards of keeping faith in Woodward, while South Africa were punished for their lack of institutional consistency.

Fleck told ESPN: "England at that stage had an established team, much like the Springboks do today. They had a real good blend of youth and experience. They had an established coach who had been through a World Cup back in 1999. He survived the axe post-their World Cup exit when we beat them in the quarter-finals in Paris.

"He was able to retain the rest of that squad and then develop some youth building up to the World Cup in 2003. At that stage, they were an incredibly strong team... South Africa at that time was in a major transition.

"It was new for Rudolf Straeuli; he had just taken over the team. There were a number of injuries to established Springbok players. To be quite frank: it wasn't the best Springbok side ever to tour the UK and France. It was a side that was already struggling."

The heavy defeat intensified calls for change within South African rugby, sparking debates around management, coaching, and player conditioning. This loss underscored the urgency for the Springboks to rebuild and realign, and although it was a low point, it also served as a wake-up call.

Within a few years, South Africa would respond with the 2007 World Cup victory, but this result is still remembered as a lesson in how quickly the tides of international rugby can shift.

South Africa 36-0 England - 2007 Rugby World Cup Group Stage

Memorable because: It signalled a power shift in the rugby world.

Four years later, the tables had turned. South Africa had undergone significant changes under the guidance of Jake White, who emphasized discipline and tactics. They met England once again, this time in the group stage of the 2007 World Cup in France.

England were the defending champions, but with injuries and an aging squad, they were a shadow of their former selves. South Africa, by contrast, were a team on the rise, featuring stars like Bryan Habana, Victor Matfield, and John Smit.

The match was nothing short of a rout. South Africa's 36-0 victory was a complete humiliation for England and a clear sign of a shift in rugby's power dynamics. The Springboks were faster, stronger, and more organized, epitomizing the effectiveness of a tight forward pack complemented by speedy backs.

This clash marked the changing of the guard, with South Africa re-establishing itself as a global rugby powerhouse.

South Africa 15-6 England - 2007 Rugby World Cup Final

Memorable because: It confirmed beyond doubt that the Springboks were the new top dogs.

The two sides met again in the 2007 World Cup final, and this time, South Africa was fully prepared to confirm their resurgence. England had regrouped after the earlier drubbing and clawed its way to the final, but the Springboks were unrelenting.

With their formidable forwards and Habana's electrifying pace on the wing, South Africa controlled the game and kept England at bay.

The 15-6 win in the final was a hard-fought, tactical battle rather than a blowout. Though no tries were scored, the intensity was undeniable. Percy Montgomery's accuracy with the boot and Francois Steyn's long-range penalty proved crucial. This victory was a statement that South Africa had fully returned to the top of world rugby.

South Africa 42-39 England - 2018 Series Opener in Johannesburg

Memorable because: It ushered in the current era of Springbok dominance under the leadership of Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi.

The opening match of England's 2018 tour of South Africa at Ellis Park in Johannesburg was an instant classic. The Springboks, led by new head coach Rassie Erasmus, were in the early stages of a transformation.

This match also marked Siya Kolisi's first game as captain, making him the first Black Test captain in the history of the Springboks - an historic moment in South African rugby, and for the country.

England started the game in electrifying fashion, storming to a 24-3 lead within the first 20 minutes. The Springboks, seemingly shell-shocked, were in dire need of a response. Then, with Kolisi's inspirational leadership and the raw energy of a talented young squad, South Africa roared back.

Faf de Klerk and Willie le Roux orchestrated the backline with speed and precision, and the Springboks showcased an expansive style that overwhelmed England. S'bu Nkosi scored two tries, while Aphiwe Dyantyi and debutant RG Snyman also made significant impacts.

In the final stages, England fought back to close the gap, but Pollard's boot ensured the Springboks held on for a thrilling 42-39 victory. This game not only set the tone for the rest of the series, which South Africa would go on to win 2-1, but also signaled a new era for the Springboks.

Kolisi's leadership, Erasmus's strategic vision, and the players' self-belief laid the foundation for the side that would ultimately lift the Webb Ellis Cup in 2019. The victory reminded fans of the Springboks' fighting spirit, and sparking a journey that would culminate in more World Cup glory.

READ: Inside the maverick mind of Springboks tactician Rassie Erasmus 

South Africa 32-12 England - 2019 Rugby World Cup Final

Memorable because: It united South Africa at a time they needed it most.

The 2019 World Cup final between South Africa and England in Japan is widely remembered for its broader social impact as much as its outcome.

Leading up to the tournament, South Africa had been gripped by the Uyinene Mrwetyana protests, a nationwide movement sparked by the brutal murder of a young student, which ignited discussions on gender-based violence and societal reform.

As Siya Kolisi led the Springboks into the final, he bore not just the weight of the game, but the hopes of a nation looking for unity and resilience. South Africa's 32-12 victory was emphatic and poetic.

The Springboks outplayed England in every facet, from the power of their scrums to the precision of their backline. Tries from Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe sealed the deal, delivering a result that was not only a sporting triumph but a unifying force for South Africans of all backgrounds.

By some distance, this was a more diverse team than the Springboks sides that had triumphed in 1995 and 2007. For South Africa, this was more than just a rugby match - it was a celebration of progress and the spirit of resilience.

South Africa 16-15 England - 2023 Rugby World Cup Semi-Final

Memorable because: England almost spoiled the Springboks' party in a tense encounter.

At the 2023 World Cup, the Springboks and England faced off in a dramatic semi-final in Paris. South Africa, the defending champions, were on a quest to secure back-to-back titles, an achievement that would etch them into rugby folklore. England, though an underdog, rose to the occasion with grit and determination, pushing the Springboks to the brink.

It was a tense, low-scoring affair, with England leading for most of the match. However, the Springboks' renowned resilience and composure under pressure shone through in the dying minutes. A crucial penalty by Handré Pollard clinched the narrowest of wins, 16-15, and propelled South Africa to the final.

The victory was a testament to the Springboks' mentality and their ability to grind out results in high-stakes matches. By going on to win the World Cup final, South Africa achieved back-to-back titles, further cementing their legacy as one of rugby's most dominant teams ever.

More news:

England block out noise amid losing streak

Borthwick feels rugby becoming too much like Aussie Rules

Rassie feels for under-pressure Steve Borthwick

Who is new World Rugby boss Brett Robinson?