The Springboks are going through a brutal slump in England.

England was shell-shocked. No matter the gap, the audience was amazed at the class difference between the two teams.

And this was a Springbok side that many expected to get off to a slow start.

South Africa’s last meaningful game was in November.

They have a long injury list with captain Sia Kolisi a late withdrawal and second row Eben Etbez. They also have star fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mungomezulu, forwards Franco Mostert, Lød de Jager, RG Snyman, Kwaga Smith, Frans Malherbe and more.

The Springboks didn’t get a chance to impose their traditional pressing dominance until the 21st minute.

But none of that mattered. South Africa were too good individually, too connected as a team for England to make a mark.

Goals from Ellis Jenge and George Martin made it three for the Boks before half-time, but England were hopeful of a comeback before the break.

The Boks have duly restored rugby’s new world order after the break.

“The second half was no contest,” former England fly-half Paul Grayson said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“England never got anywhere in the game and as a result their attacks were small and fragmented.

“South Africa broke down the wicket, they’ve never played more than a few overs but they squeezed the life out of England. They were uncomplicated and inconsistent.”

Perhaps no other side could face the two-time reigning world champions in such a beautiful showdown.

But many people feel that England should have come close to doing it.

After the late departure of George Furbank, the selection of Marcus Smith, an excellent and versatile player at the age of 15, did not spare the backfield.

Tommy Freeman, one of England’s best players in the air, has remained in his unfamiliar outside center role.

Many times the Boks took to the air and got the ball back, with the brilliant Damian Willemse ruling the skies.

England promised to play ‘big’, mixing physical prowess with tactical daring. It was there, but only partially.

All three of England’s tries – Henry Slade’s superb kamikaze corner into the Bok defense followed by Alex Coles’ smart pass to cross for their final score – proved the point.

An early passage saw Finn Smith and Ben Earle combine well and Jack van Portviet found a one-handed delivery on the back of his handball that was carved through the hosts.

But his attacking intent and accuracy faltered throughout the tournament.