2018 June Test Series: First Test - South Africa v England

South Africa edged England 42-39 in a pulsating opening test in the three match June International series. England started superbly and ran in three tries in the opening 18 minutes to build a 24-3 lead. The pendulum swung in South Africa's favour as the hosts stormed back to cross for four tries to hit the front 29-24 just before halftime. An England penalty brought an end to the half with South Africa holding a slender two point advantage 29-27. South Africa notched up the first points of the second half 12 minutes in with a penalty making it 32-27. England then picked up a penalty with just under 20 minutes to play and the Springboks capitalized immediately with their 5th try to extend their lead to 39-27. England got right back in it with a try with 10 minutes remaining, cutting the margin to just seven points. South Africa kicked a penalty with around 4 minutes remaining to give themselves some breathing space at 42-32, but an English try a few minutes later set up a tense finish. However, the hosts would hold on for the three point victory and go 1-0 up in the series after an absolutely enthralling encounter.