There was plenty of razzle dazzle in a five-try opening 26 minutes followed by the drama of early second-half tries chalked off at both ends before South Africa got the jump on England to move 29-20 ahead with 17 minutes remaining.
Steve Borthwick's men are finding new ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and it is becoming a problem
Twickenham played their part in a classic encounter but England contrived to play the part of gallant losers once again
The international season is now upon us, and it is a season with added spice with the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia in June and July.
England will rue two Tests that got away from them in New Zealand but they have much to be optimistic about
Steve Borthwick's defence flummoxed New Zealand during a period when they are normally so ruthless.
However you dress it up, an improving England missed a gilt-edged chance to register a first win on New Zealand soil for 21 years
Three decades have passed since a European team won at the Auckland stronghold, but England are good enough to make it happen.
England coach Steve Borthwick has some tough calls to make as he whittles down his squad for Japan and New Zealand
It’s 10 years ago this very weekend when he last laced up, guiding Toulon with aplomb around the Stade de France to see off Castres and complete the Top 14/European Heineken Cup double he took with him into retirement.