BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Rugby World Cup | England down battling Boks: "England took a giant step on their preferred path to the World Cup knock-out stages with a tense victory over South Africa in Perth.
Martin Johnson's men were far from their fluent best against a Springboks side that gave them a torrid test for an hour.
But a crucial try from centre Will Greenwood took England 19-6 clear and they held their nerve in the final quarter to preserve their Cup prospects.
Although two pool matches against Samoa and Uruguay remain, victories in those two will give England a likely quarter-final against Wales or Italy.
For the vanquished Springboks, a probable quarter-final against tournament favourites New Zealand beckons.
It might have been different had South African fly-half Louis Koen brought his kicking boots, four missed penalties in the first half costing his side dear. "