Scotland’s spirited fightback in vain as South Africa win 10-try thriller
A true hallmark of a world champion outfit is their ability to hang tight in the scrappy moments. South Africa were far from perfect in this absorbing contest and boy were they made to work in this absorbing 10-try thriller.
A true hallmark of a world champion outfit is their ability to hang tight in the scrappy moments. South Africawere far from perfect in this absorbing contest and boy were they made to work in this absorbing 10-try thriller. AdvertisementFor large parts of this contest,Scotlandwere tenacious and asked all sorts of questions of Rassie Erasmus’s experimental side. They were physical on both sides of the ball, looked more than comfortable in multi-phase passages of play and were rewarded for their patience and perseverance. They picked up a try-bonus point in Pretoria, a city 1,339 metres above sea level, for their efforts, but they will leave wondering if it could have been more. To put their doggedness into context, this was Scotland’s highest points tally in South Africa. If anything, the altitude energised them, but they could not deliver the knockout blow. South Africa needed a late Jesse Kriel score to seal their win in a match where their 42-28 scoreline somewhat flattered them. The hosts looked to have killed off the visitors with two quick-fire tries from Elrigh Louw and Damian Willemse in a high-octane second-half. AdvertisementIt should have sucked any remaining air out of Scottish lungs, but Gregor Townsend’s troops responded magnificently with two of their own through Josh Bayliss and Ben White to make it a seven-point game and set up a pulsating finish. Telegraph Sportanalyses the best moments in an enthralling Test match. Wiese’s carry in the build-up to Roos’ tryAgainst South Africa, the world champions whobattered England last weekin their back yard, Scotland were always going to face a daunting challenge. Rassie Erasmus had boldly made 10 changes to the side that put Steve Borthwick’s side to the sword. One of those was lock Cobus Wiese, whose mind-boggling carry from the restart after Embrose Papier’s opening try was sensational. The 116kg lock was hoisted into the air by Boan Venter, with the prop showing incredible strength to keep Wiese stable. Replays, though, show Venter took a step or two forward while still carrying Wiese, before placing him back on terra firma with such force that the lock went on a rampage before offloading to Paul de Villiers. Was it completely legal? You cannot physically carry or run with an airborne team-mate forward into contact, which is considered dangerous play. There could easily have been a boot in someone’s face had Scotland’s chasing defence been closer and Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu can be seen waving his arms in protest as Wiese is brought down. Moments later, Evan Roos crashed over. AdvertisementScottish perseveranceScotland were already showing signs of wilting but were undeterred by the two-score margin and refused to lie down. Even after Euan Ashman spilled the ball metres from the whitewash, they kept their steely focus to win a scrum penalty five metres out, with Matt Fagerson finding a chink in South Africa’s armour and crashing over. A mere five minutes later, Townsend’s troops were at it again. Finn Russell spun the ball out to Tuipulotu, who found Kyle Rowe charging into view. The full-back skipped through unchallenged to make it level at the break. AdvertisementSouth Africa try to kill game off. . Ben-Jason Dixon was sent to the sin-bin for an illegal clear-out on Scott Cummings at the start of the second half and there was a sense of inevitability once South Africa were back to their full complement. It looked a long way back for the visitors when they conceded two quick-fire scores. Elrigh Louw crashed over from close range, before Damian Willemse punched and pirouetted his way through in a fine solo effort. Advertisement. . but Scotland’s bench brings the firepowerForget the Bok’s bomb squad, Scotland kept within touching distance of South Africa by turning to their own firepower from the bench. Bayliss and Gregor Hiddleston, their replacement hooker, were superb in the loose and both made key contributions as the game became increasingly frantic. Bayliss provided a great support line after Cummings exploited a gap and charged up the pitch to score, while Hiddleston’s own scurrying run proved the attacking platform for White’s 69th-minute try. AdvertisementKriel’s killer blowWith a raft of new faces, South Africa lacked their usual continuity but in the pressure moments they still brought pace, power and panache. Scotland, meanwhile, faltered when they tried to seize the momentum from their two late scores. Kyle Steyn was loitering in a dangerous position when he tried to gather Tom Jordan’s cross-field kick, but the winger spilled it under pressure. Was it the right call? South Africa regrouped and Handre Pollard stabbed a sumptuous grubber through for Kriel, who needed no second invitation to gather and glide over the whitewash. AdvertisementMatch detailsScoring sequence:5-0 Papier try, 7-0 Pollard con, 12-0 Roos try, 14-0 Pollard con, 14-5 Fagerson try, 14-7 Russell con, 14-12 Rowe try, 14-14 Russell con, 19-14 Louw try, 21-14 Pollard con, 26-14 Willemse try, 28-14 Pollard con, 33-14 Porthen try, 35-14 Pollard con, 35-19 Bayliss try, 35-21 Russell con, 35-26 White try, 35-28 Russell con, 40-28 Kriel try, 42-28 Pollard con. South Africa:A Fassi; E van der Merwe, J Kriel, D de Allende, E Hooker (H Pollard 45); H Pollard (Q Horn 41), E Papier (G Williams 41); B Venter (J-H Wessels 41), J Grobbelaar (K Mchunu 61), W Louw, C Wiese (B-J Dixon 31), R Nortje, P de Villers (V Tshituka 32, P de Villiers 73), P du Toit, E Roos (E Louw 41). AdvertisementScotland:K Rowe; K Steyn, R Hutchinson (S McDowall 63), S Tuipulotu, J Dobie (T Jordan 67); F Russell, B White; P Schoeman (R Sutherland 67), E Ashman (G Hiddleston 55), Z Fagerson (W Hurd 55), G Brown (M Williamson 63), S Cummings, M Fagerson (M Bradbury 55), R Darge (J Bayliss 40), J Dempsey. Referee:P Brousset (France). 06:55pmScotland head coach Gregor Townsend“We are really frustrated we did not get more points in the first half and when the Springboks were down to 14 men. It is a learning for us and a lot of good parts for us. We have got to take more chances to beat the world champions. I know we have come a long way this season and today is another step forward. ”06:44pmScotland captain Sione Tuipulotu06:37pmToday’s gamesNew Zealand 47 Italy 17Australia 26 France 42Japan 20 Ireland 36Fiji 8 England 73South Africa 42 Scotland 28Argentina vs Wales 8. 10pm06:34pmFull timeThere is the final whistle in Pretoria and South Africa secure an enthralling 42-28 win to make it two wins from two to start the Nations Championship. Scotland take a try bonus point home with them. 06:32pm79 mins: South Africa 42 Scotland 28With just seconds remaining, Scotland knock on and South Africa are seconds away from victory. 06:29pmTries • VideoAdvertisementTRY! Kriel seals it for South AfricaScotland’s dreams of a famous night in Pretoria are over. With a penalty advantage in hand, Pollard puts a grubber kick through into the Scottish half. Kriel gathers, bounces off the tackle of Jordan and races around Steyn to score. Horn converts. 06:27pm76 mins: South Africa 35 Scotland 28Tuipulotu makes a break for Scotland but the chance is gone a few phases later as Scotland throw it into touch. The chances are there for Scotland and if they keep their composure, they could draw level as there will be one more shot for them. 06:26pm75 mins: South Africa 35 Scotland 28Five minutes to go and Scotland need a converted try to draw level. 06:23pm72 mins: South Africa 35 Scotland 28That could have been the moment for Scotland. Bradbury made the initial break from just outside his own 22 to take Scotland into the South African 22. Scotland are on the front foot and Jordan spots Steyn in space on the right wing. Jordan puts in the crossfield kick but Steyn drops it under pressure from Williams. 06:20pmKey moments • Tries • VideoAdvertisementTRY! White further cuts into South Africa’s leadThis game is certainly not over quite yet as White stretches out to score. It is a very easy conversion for Russell. 06:20pmAnalysis69 mins: South Africa 35 Scotland 21Scotland are not giving up and are once more in possession inside the South African 22 after a great break. They now have a penalty advantage just over five metres out. . . Forget what I just said. Scotland are playing out of their skin and their forwards are advancing up the pitch like backs. . First Scott Cummings and Josh Bayliss for the latter’s try, and then Gregor Hiddleston, the replacement hooker, who has had an instrumental impact since coming on. Absorbing stuff. 06:17pmTries • VideoAdvertisementTRY! Bayliss gives Scotland’s hopeMaybe it is not done and dusted quite yet. Cummings is the one to make the break for Scotland and gallops towards the South African 22. He has Bayliss for support and times the pass to perfection to allow Bayliss to score. Russell gets the easy conversion. 06:15pmTries • VideoTRY! Porthen powers overIs that Scotland’s challenge over? The pressure is rising on Scotland as South Africa are knocking on the door once more. Eventually, the pressure pays off as Porthen forces his way over from close range. Pollard gets the conversion and suddenly Scotland now face a 21-point deficit. Advertisement06:14pmAnalysis64 mins: South Africa 28 Scotland 14Another penalty goes South Africa’s way as Scotland enter the maul from the side just inside their own 22. The Springboks put it right into the corner. South Africa weathered a Scottish storm at the start of this half and have now handed out the killer blow to Gregor Townend’s men. Those two quick-fire scores from Louw and Willemse have all but sucked any remaining air out of Scottish lungs at altitude. South Africa can see the finish line now. 06:13pm63 mins: South Africa 28 Scotland 14Scotland’s discipline is starting to cost them dearly, which was a similar story for England in Johannesburg last weekend. 06:09pmTries • VideoAdvertisementTRY! Willemse extends South Africa’s advantageThe Springboks score twice in quick succession and are starting to pull away. The penalty advantage ends as South Africa make good progress into the Scotland 22 and do not need it as Willemse stretches out to score. Pollard converts and in a matter of minutes South Africa now lead by 14 points. 06:08pm59 mins: South Africa 21 Scotland 14Scotland concede one penalty just outside the South African 22 and now concede another around halfway. South Africa utilise the penalty advantage to good effect to pile into the Scottish 22. . . 06:05pmKey moments • Tries • VideoAdvertisementTRY! Louw puts South Africa back in frontSouth Africa have their first points in nearly 40 minutes to retake the lead. They do not need the penalty advantage as Louw powers his way over. Pollard adds the extras and South Africa’s lead is out to seven. 06:05pm57 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 14South Africa, for what does feel like the first time in a little while, are on the attack inside the Scotland 22. The Springboks now have a penalty advantage as Scotland are caught not rolling. . . 06:01pm54 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 14South Africa are back up to 15 men with Dixon returning from his period in the bin. 06:00pmAnalysisAdvertisement52 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 14Scotland! They’re throwing the kitchen sink at South Africa’s defence - they’ve had two visits into the Boks’ 22 already in this second half but they need to be more clinical, especially with the extra man with Dixon in the bin. Scotland are showing real continuity and have the hosts on the ropes. . . 05:55pm49 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 14Scotland are on the attack deep inside the South Africa but eventually knock on. The home crowd are not happy that a forward pass was not given in the build-up. It looked like a fairly clear-cut forward pass that was missed. Scotland have thus far been unable to take advantage of Dixon’s yellow card, which has just two minutes left to run. 05:51pm45 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 14We have news from the bunker and Dixon’s yellow card will remain so. 05:48pm44 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 14Scotland maul to the line but are held up. Will they come to massively regret that missed opportunity?05:47pm43 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 14South Africa have made a few changes, with Williams, Horn and Porthen all coming on. AdvertisementScotland now have another penalty advantage for collapsing the maul and they come close to scoring through Steyn on the right wing. We end up going back for the penalty. 05:45pmVideo • Key moments42 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 14There is an early TMO check for possible foul play. The man in focus is South Africa replacement Dixon, who could be in some trouble. He appeared to lead with his head as he was trying to clear out Cummings at a Scottish breakdown. Dixon is going to be sent to the bin as it reaches the yellow-card threshold. How big a moment will that be? Will Scotland be able to take advantage of a man advantage? Considering Italy had a man sent off earlier for something similar that could be upgraded, although I thought that red card earlier was very, very harsh. Advertisement05:42pm41 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 14Scotland have made a change at the break as Bath man Bayliss is on in the back-row. 05:41pmSecond halfWe are back under way in Pretoria, with this game very finely poised at 14-14. Interestingly, South Africa are out quite a while before Scotland. A reminder that a week ago England were within touching distance of South Africa only for the Springboks to pull away after the break. 05:35pmAnalysisVerdict at the breakScotland are not just on the board. . they go into the break level! Few people would have had that on their bingo card but they totally deserve it. A breathless first half. AdvertisementThey’ve had a few entries into the red zone and have had nothing to show for their efforts in this half but the finally find a chink in South Africa’s armour. Even after that Euan Ashman spill, they kept the momentum going and were rewarded when Matt Fagerson crashed over, before Kyle Rowe’s well-worked score. How they managed that is quite unbelievable given South Africa were literally forcing them backwards on their 22. In fact, should Scotland be ahead? Scotland fans will argue the TMO should have had a closer look at the genesis for South Africa’s second score. Replays of Cobus Wiese’s gather from the restart, while impressive, shows he was actually propelled forward at least a metre and a half by prop Boan Venter, who was carrying him in the air. You cannot physically carry or run with an airborne teammate forward into contact, which is considered dangerous play. 05:31pmToday’s gamesNew Zealand 47 Italy 17Australia 26 France 42Japan 20 Ireland 36Fiji 8 England 73South Africa 14 Scotland 14 HTArgentina vs Wales 8. 10pm05:25pmHalf-timeThat is the final act of the half and it is all square at 14-14 at the break in Pretoria. 05:25pmKey moments • Tries • VideoAdvertisementTRY! Rowe brings Scotland level at the breakScotland finish the half with a try to go into half-time level. Tuipulotu is the man to create it and Rowe is the man to finish it. It is a simple conversion for Russell, which he gets. 05:24pm39 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 7As we enter the final minute of the half, Scotland have possession inside the South African 22 and now have a penalty advantage. . . 05:23pm38 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 7South Africa are demanding a penalty as they believe Russell took Fassi out illegally after the latter’s kick. Moments later, the home crowd’s mood worsens as Fassi himself is then punished for side entry at the ruck. Russell kicks into the South Africa 22. 05:19pmTries • Key moments • VideoAdvertisementTRY! M Fagerson gets Scotland on the boardThe visitors have a penalty advantage but they do not need it as M Fagerson picks and goes from just a few metres out to score. Scotland simply had to get some points from that visit to the 22. Russell adds the extras. 05:18pm34 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 0That is a big surprise. Despite South Africa having the put-in at the scrum, Scotland manage to win the penalty. It would be an easy three but Scotland are taking the quick tap. . . 05:15pm32 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 0Scotland have a penalty inside the South African half and Russell kicks deep into the 22. Scotland simply have to come away from this entry into the 22 with points. Scotland’s maul is repelled so the ball has to go into the hands of the backs. Scotland go through a few phases deep inside the 22 but Ashman knocks on five metres out. South Africa have made a change in the pack as Dixon replaces Wiese. 05:11pm28 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 0Scotland’s forwards do a good job of keeping the play alive through clever offloads but their momentum is halted on the South African 22 as Nortje steals possession at the breakdown. 05:09pm25 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 0As they did earlier, Scotland enter the South African 22 but come away with nothing. They are caught holding on and Scotland cannot afford to waste chances like that. 05:07pm24 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 0Scotland are looking to hit back and have a penalty advantage. The advantage goes on a long time and eventually Ashman is bundled into touch inside the South African 22. However, we go all the way back for the penalty on the South African 10-metre line. 05:05pmAnalysis22 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 0We knew altitude was going to play a huge part in this contest and it already looks like Scotland are wilting. After that period of herculean defence, they’ve twice been caught cold, first by a snake-hipped run from Embrose Papier and then a second brilliant team score from the restart. Evan Roos will get the plaudits but Cobus Wiese’s phenomenal gather in the air before going on the charge was simply breathtaking. The gulf in class between these sides is already showing. 05:03pm21 mins: South Africa 14 Scotland 0Scotland started reasonably well in the first 10 minutes but have been blown away over the last 10 minutes. 05:02pmTries • VideoTRY! Roos over for South Africa’s secondThat is one hell of a score from South Africa straight from the restart. It all starts with a rampaging run from the former Sale man Wiese from the edge of his own 22 as he took the kick-off and bludgeoned his way into the Scottish half. South Africa continue to make ground and very quickly are knocking on the door for another try. The pressure eventually pays off as Roos powers over from close range. Pollard adds the extras. 04:58pmKey moments • Tries • VideoTRY! Papier finishes in styleThat is a sublime solo finish for the scrum-half on his return to the Springbok side. From just outside the Scottish 22, Papier spots a gap on the fringes of the ruck and sprints through it. He then shows off great pace and footwork to score. He is very, very fast and that was a fine finish. Pollard adds the extras. 04:57pm15 mins: South Africa 0 Scotland 0South African are awarded a free-kick and they take the quick tap. The hosts are knocking on the door but are held up over the line. That is a huge early defensive stand for Scotland. 04:56pm14 mins: South Africa 0 Scotland 0South Africa’s pack dominates at scrum time and they are awarded the penalty. I suspect that the home side will go for another scrum and they oblige, much to the joy of the crowd. 04:54pm12 mins: South Africa 0 Scotland 0Scotland’s defence is properly tested for the first time today and they concede a penalty at the breakdown as the tackler Dempsey failed to roll away. It is a central penalty in front of the sticks but South Africa take the aggressive option by calling for a scrum. The home crowd love that decision!04:53pm10 mins: South Africa 0 Scotland 0Scotland have settled well into this game but concede a penalty on halfway. Pollard takes advantage of this game being at altitude in Pretoria by belting the kick into the Scottish 22. 04:48pmAnalysis6 mins: South Africa 0 Scotland 0Scotland spurn the chance as Ashman’s throw at the lineout was not straight. Against a side like South Africa on their home turf, you cannot afford to spurn chances like that in the 22. It’s been an encouraging start from Scotland, who have fronted up to the Boks and are probing with the aerial ball - a tactic we suspected they would look to deploy. But if you’re Euan Ashman throwing in five metres out from the hosts’ try line, you need to be getting your arrows straight and maximising your opportunities against the world champions. 04:47pm5 mins: South Africa 0 Scotland 0Scotland win a penalty inside their own half and Russell takes them up towards the South African 22. They then are awarded another penalty as South Africa are in at the side at the maul. Russell will put it into the corner and so far Scotland have started the better. 04:44pm2 mins: South Africa 0 Scotland 0Scotland enjoy their first spell of possession of the game inside the South African half. Russell swings a long pass out to Ashman on the left wing and the Scotland hooker carries hard into the South African 22. However, Ashman is penalised for rolling on the ground. 04:42pmKick-offWe are under way at sunset in Pretoria. Will the South Africa juggernaut roll on or can Scotland claim their first-ever win on South African soil?04:36pmAnthem timeBoth sides emerge from the tunnel in Pretoria, first Scotland, who are led out by Rory Sutherland ahead of his 50th cap off the bench, then the hosts South Africa, welcomed by the impi. Now it is time for the national anthems. Flower of Scotlandfollowed byNkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika. 04:25pmToday’s gamesNew Zealand 47 Italy 17Australia 26 France 42Japan 20 Ireland 36Fiji 8 England 73South Africa vs Scotland 4. 40pmArgentina vs Wales 8. 10pm04:18pmLast five meetingsNovember 2024- Scotland 15 South Africa 32 (Murrayfield)September 2023- South Africa 18 Scotland 3 (Marseille, World Cup)November 2021- Scotland 15 South Africa 30 (Murrayfield)November 2018- Scotland 20 South Africa 26 (Murrayfield)October 2015- South Africa 34 Scotland 16 (Newcastle, World Cup)04:14pmVisitors arriving04:09pmTeamsSouth Africa starting XV:15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 1 Boan Venter, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 3 Wilco Louw, 4 Cobus Wiese, 5 Ruan Nortje, 6 Paul de Villiers, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain), 8 Evan Roos. Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zach Porthen, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Elrigh Louw, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Quan Horn. Scotland starting XV:15 Kyle Rowe, 14 Kyle Steyn, 13 Rory Hutchinson, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (captain), 11 Jamie Dobie, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White, 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Ewan Ashman, 3 Zander Fagerson, 4 Gregor Brown, 5 Scott Cummings, 6 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey. Replacements: 16 Gregor Hiddleston, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Max Williamson, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Magnus Bradbury, 22 Tom Jordan, 23 Stafford McDowall. 04:05pmKey momentsScotland seeking their first-ever victory on South African soilSouth Africa welcome Scotland to Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on the second weekend of the Nations Championship, with both sides looking to make it two wins from two. Scotland have not beaten South Africa since 2010, when they won 21-17 at Murrayfield. Scotland have never won away in South Africa and have not played there since 2014. The last time these sides met was at Murrayfield in November 2024, with South Africa winning 32-15. South Africa beat England 45-21 in Johannesburg a week ago. Rassie Erasmus named his side all the way back on Monday in a power move, making 10 changes from the win over England, with the likes of Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Cheslin Kolbe and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu all not in the matchday squad today to highlight their immense strength in depth. “We have good depth in our squad, and this will be a great test for the team,” said Erasmus. “We told the players from the outset that we would give as many of them a chance as possible to play this season, while we are also trying to manage some players, while others are not available for selection this week, so it was important to select a team with some continuity from last week, while bringing in players we believe will be the right fit for what we are expecting from Scotland. “They had a good Six Nations campaign, and they come off a victory against Argentina away, so they will be psyched up going into this match. All of the players have been working extremely hard at training, and they are fully aware of the threat Scotland poses. Many of the players will also be playing at their home ground at Loftus Versfeld, so they know the field and conditions well. “They are a quality team, who will test us in all areas of the game, and they are well coached, so they will throw everything they have at us. Matches against them are always tough, and looking back, there have been some very close encounters between the sides in the past, so we need to be switched on from the first whistle, be accurate in all departments of the game, and use our opportunities if we want to get the desired result. ”Scotland won in Argentina last weekend - David Rogers/Getty ImagesScotland secured a victory on the opening weekend of the Nations Championship, beating Argentina 47-38 a week ago. They are boosted by the return of fly-half Finn Russell, who returns from a calf injury to make his 95thappearance for Scotland. “It is a unique opportunity for us, obviously the biggest challenge in world rugby,” Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said. “Having seen how quickly they got into their game at the weekend [a 45-21 victory over England], we were building up to our match and we watched the first half, and they came out as if they had been playing for the last few months. They are a team that knows their identity. I think everybody in world rugby knows their identity and they are very good at what they do. It is a great challenge, a great marker of where we are and where we need to go following this game. ”Kick-off from Pretoria is at 4. 40pm.