England outclassed by Springboks

Five years to the day after Martin Johnson lifted the World Cup, South Africa served his England team a punishing reminder just how far they are from reaching those heights again.

The reigning world champions crushed England 42-6, with tries from flanker Danie Rossouw, fly-half Ruan Pienaar, centre Adi Jacobs, replacement Jaque Fourie and Bryan Habana.

Pienaar finished with 20 points while all England could muster were two penalties for fly-half Danny Cipriani, who endured another forgettable afternoon.

The Springboks had stuttered to victories over Wales and Scotland and head coach Peter de Villiers claimed during the week his side were mentally fatigued and struggling for motivation.

It proved to be the smokescreen many expected as South Africa produced a ruthless attacking performance and monumental defensive display.

Once again, England contributed to their own demise and were booed on the final whistle after an embarrassingly impotent performance.

The 36-point margin smashed England's previous heaviest Twickenham defeat, a 41-20 defeat to the All Blacks in 2006.

Team manager Johnson admitted it will be a difficult week ahead trying to pick up his players for the All Blacks clash.

"The guys are desolate down there," he said. "To be beaten like that at home is the biggest disappointment.

"It's going to be a tough week but we need to bounce back and put things right for Saturday."