Rugby: Last-gasp penalty sees England snatch thrilling victory against South Africa

Wales' Rhys Priestland has kicked an injury-time penalty, as the hosts poured more misery on Australia, with a 29-28 victory at Principality Stadium, after an early red card for visiting No.8 Rob Valetini.

Valetini became the fifth player to see red against Wales in the last 12 months, but could have few complaints, after his dangerous tackle on lock Adam Beard after 14 minutes resulted in a clash of heads.

Hooker Ryan Elias and centre Nick Tompkins scored tries for the home side, which failed to drive home their numerical advantage and were seconds away from losing, before they were awarded an offside penalty in the last play of the game.

Australia, who have lost all three matches on their tour, after defeats by Scotland and England, scored tries through wings Andrew Kellaway and Filipo Daugunu, plus scrumhalf Nic White, but after highlighting the need to improve their discipline in the week, let themselves down again. 

England secure World Cup revenge over 'Boks

England's Marcus Smith has landed a last-minute penalty to snatch an epic 27-26 win over South Africa, as the hosts looked full of promise, but were hauled back by the battling Springboks in the teams' first meeting since the 2019 World Cup final.

England fashioned excellent early tries for Manu Tuilagi and Freddie Steward, but four penalties for Handre Pollard kept South Africa within five points at the break.

England's Marcus Smith celebrates kicking the winning penalty against South Africa.
England's Marcus Smith celebrates kicking the winning penalty against South Africa. Photo credit: Getty Images

The Springboks then took command, cashing in on a series of England penalties to kick their way into the lead.

A try for Raffie Quirke on a rare second-half England attack briefly restored the home lead, but Makazole Mapimpi crossed for the visitors and Frans Steyne edged them ahead.

England mustered one more attack and earned a penalty, which Smith smashed over for the third win out of three in November.

Earlier, captain Stuart Hogg became Scotland's record test tryscorer, as he led his side to a nervous 29-20 victory over Japan in their autumn series clash at Murrayfield.

Fullback Hogg moved past Tony Stanger and Ian Smith at the top of the all-time list, as he bagged his 25th try, while Scotland also scored through wings Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham, and replacement hooker Stuart McInally.

Japan tried to run the ball at every opportunity and regularly visited Scotland's 22, although the home side slowed the ball down each time to halt their momentum. They scored a try through loose forward Tevita Tatafu, along with five penalties for Rikiya Matsuda.

Scotland will be unhappy with the performance, but secured three wins from their four autumn series matches, after victories over Tonga and Australia, and a defeat to world champions South Africa, while Japan played just their sixth test since hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup. 

Reuters