England crash to record Cup defeat

PARIS, France -- England suffered a record World Cup defeat as rampant South Africa pulled off an imposing 36-0 group victory in Paris on Friday.

JP Pietersen scored two of the Springboks' three tries as the South Africans handsomely avenged their 2003 World Cup loss to the English.

Juan Smith started the rout with the other try in the fifth minute and the reliable boot of Percy Montgomery landed four penalties and three conversions. Francois Steyn also kicked a penalty.

South Africa were on top right from the start, scoring 10 points in the first 10 minutes, surging into a 20-0 lead by half-time and pulling further away in the second period.

The Springboks wasted no time in establishing control with a sixth minute try from Juan Smith, after a thrilling break down the right by Pietersen. Pietersen switched the ball inside to du Preez, who was tap tackled by Jason Robinson but able to slip the ball to Smith who romped over.

Montgomery added the conversion points and four minutes later Steyn landed a penalty from the other side of the field after Matt Stevens was pulled up for not rolling away on the floor.

In the 14th minute Mike Catt's attempted drop attempt curled wide and seven minutes later the Springboks went desperately close to adding another try.

Du Preez kicked a penalty into space and Jaque Fourie surged clear. Josh Lewsey just managed to get in a tackle and a stumbling Fourie failed to hold onto the ball as he was about to go over.

A brilliant break by Robinson in the 28th minute gave the England fans a rare thrill but South Africa finished the half as strongly they began.

Montgomery put over a penalty after Matt Stevens obstructed du Preez and then just before the interval, after Farrell had almost broken through at one end the Springboks flew downfield and Pietersen rounded off a fine move after more good work from du Preez.

Montgomery made it 20-0 with his conversion and he was on target with two early second-half penalties before South Africa notched their next try.

Once again du Preez was the inspiration, setting up Pietersen for his second try of the night, right under the posts. Montgomery again converted

England's night was rounded off when the valiant Robinson, easily their best performer, pulled up clutching his left hamstring in the 58th minute when they were promisingly placed to score.

Montgomery ended the scoring with another penalty.

England's chances of reaching the knockout stages now depend on beating Samoa on September 22 and coach Brian Ashton faces a tough challenge trying to raise morale for this test. E-mail to a friend