England avoids series whitewash

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa: England avoided a series whitewash when they battled to a 14-14 draw with South Africa in the third and final test on Saturday.
The visitors ended a nine-match losing streak against the Springboks as they secured only the second draw between the two teams.
Scrumhalf Danny Care notched the only try for England while flyhalf Toby Flood kicked one penalty and his replacement Owen Farrell booted two more.
The hosts responded with a try from wing JP Pietersen and three penalties from Morne Steyn but the flyhalf did not enjoy his best day with the boot as he missed two penalties and one conversion attempt.
South Africa had only themselves to blame for failing to win, committing a plethora of handling errors and producing some aimless tactical kicking against an England team who defended well.
Flood and Steyn traded early penalties but England’s ball retention was superior in the first quarter.
Care, recalled after Ben Youngs injured his shoulder in the second test, caught South Africa off-guard with a quick tap penalty which led to the scrumhalf diving over for a try despite the attentions of two defenders.
Flood missed the conversion as England went 8-3 up after 11 minutes.