Benhard Janse van Rensburg endured a mixed outing for an England XV that lost 35-19 to a France XV in Vannes on Friday.
The South African centre came off the bench in the 51st minute of the non-cap match, alongside the England XV’s seven other replacements, to make his first appearance for his adopted country.
However, Janse van Rensburg missed a golden opportunity to mark the occasion with a try when he spilled a George Ford pass with the line at his mercy.
The 29-year-old becomes eligible to play Test rugby for England on 8 July and could make his debut against Fiji at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool three days later.
REPORT: Déjà vu for Bulls as Leinster go back to back
The England XV made the perfect start to Friday’s match when winger Cadan Murley crossed inside the opening minute, but the hosts gradually took control through tries from centre Nicolas Depoortere and winger Grégoire Arfeuil to lead 14-5.
England XV fullback Marcus Smith struck just before the break to cut the deficit to 14-12, giving coach Steve Borthwick’s side hope heading into the second half.
However, the France XV’s superior cohesion told after the interval. Tries from scrumhalf Nolann Le Garrec and flyhalf Antoine Hastoy opened up a commanding lead, while England struggled to gain a foothold as their set-piece came under pressure.
The France XV sealed the result with a late try to replacement centre Fabien Brau-Boirie before midfielder Max Ojomoh grabbed a consolation score for the visitors with the final play of the match.
Photo: Franco Arland/Getty Images
The post Benhard blows try for England appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.