Scotland vs South Africa as it happened: Result and reaction after late surge takes Springboks to victory

Scotland produced a spirited show however lacked the guile to recover from the road as they went right down to a 32-15 defeat by world champions South Africa at Murrayfield.

Three first-half tries – two from Makazole Mapimpi both facet of an opportunist rating from Thomas du Toit – gave the Boks a 19-9 interval lead after the Scots had the double setback of a 20-minute purple card for Scott Cummings and a Ben White strive chalked off.

Gregor Townsend’s facet rallied impressively after the break and acquired to inside 4 factors, however they have been made to rue their lack of ability to cross the whitewash whereas on prime, with all of their factors coming from the boot of Finn Russell.

South Africa finally pulled away within the closings phases, with a strive from Jasper Wiese within the final motion of the match sealing their ninth consecutive victory over Scotland.

“There’s not that a lot disappointment, to be sincere. I’m proud. It was one in every of our greatest performances within the final two or three years, constructed on effort and physicality. We put ourselves in positions to attain factors. It was irritating to not get that strive earlier than half time, however we put in large effort. We wanted to be forward of the scoreboard within the remaining ten minutes, and that’s on us to ensure we’re capable of nail the ability and execute.

“I assumed our defence was excellent at the moment in holding out South Africa just a few occasions. We have been getting penalties and stress – I assumed there may have doubtlessly been one other yellow card. However there are methods now we have to be higher, like executing that remaining go beneath stress.”

Scotland will relaxation and recharge for a gathering with Portugal subsequent Saturday. Jack Dempsey seems more likely to miss that recreation – the again row appeared in some discomfort at full time after struggling an damage.

That concludes a weekend that the Southern Hemisphere sides have dominated: 5 defeats from 5 for the Six Nations sides dealing with foes from beneath the equator, with France the only real consultant to revive respectability with a win over fellow Northern Hemisphere nation Japan.

“Clearly it was a troublesome Take a look at match, they’re all the time a top quality facet to play in opposition to. The scoreline flatters us a bit. They have been a lot nearer than it says.

“I feel we simply wanted to stay collectively. It was an awesome efficiency from the fellows and a great robust one to start out with. Credit score to Jerry [Flannery, defence coach], we put a whole lot of power and element into our defence.”

A 17-point remaining margin does by no means replicate how Scotland managed to scrap to remain within the recreation, however these remaining ten minutes have been a present of South Africa’s energy. Having scrambled so properly to forestall the hosts scoring, the Springboks noticed it out with Jasper Wiese’s pushover strive the exclamation level. The world champions have performed significantly better, and can absolutely accomplish that once more this November, however a win is a win.

A daunting present of drive to complete the job! The Scottish scrum is pushed again throughout the Firth of Forth and Jasper Wiese is the try-scoring beneficiary!

Handre Pollard converts with the ultimate kick and that’ll do it!

Penalty to the Springboks, and that can do it. A determined Scotland can’t resist clattering into scrum half Grant Williams.

Ah, Scotland snatch at it! Huw Jones throws a energetic go which is out of attain for Duhan van der Merwe.

A lot for shutting the sport down! Canan Moodie and Lukhanyo Am go up-tempo on the lineout, the previous sashaying in between defenders and into the Scotland 22.