The world champions were pushed all the way in the capital city by a Scottish side that refused to back down. The visitors twice fought back into the contest and threatened a late comeback before South Africa’s power, depth and composure eventually settled the match.

Scotland started brightly, putting the Springboks under pressure with an early lineout steal and a series of penalties that allowed them to build territory. 

The visitors also targeted the home side with a barrage of high kicks, but Edwill van der Merwe and Handré Pollard handled the aerial contest confidently.

Paul de Villiers. Photo: SA Rugby

The Springboks gradually settled into their work, and their scrum began to dominate. After earning consecutive penalties close to Scotland’s try-line, South Africa repeatedly opted for attacking scrums. Although they were initially held up over the line, the pressure soon paid off.

Scrumhalf Embrose Papier ignited the Loftus crowd when he sliced through the Scottish defence to score his first Test try. His pace and footwork left several defenders grasping at thin air before Pollard added the conversion.

South Africa doubled their advantage moments later. A powerful surge from Cobus Wiese created momentum before Evan Roos powered over from close range. Pollard’s second successful conversion stretched the lead to 14-0.

Scotland refused to panic and were rewarded for their persistence. Matt Fagerson crossed after sustained pressure near the South African line before Finn Russell converted. The visitors then drew level on the stroke of half-time when Kyle Rowe finished a slick attacking move under the posts, sending the teams into the sheds tied at 14-14.

The second half began with another setback for the Springboks as replacement Ben-Jason Dixon received a yellow card for head contact at a ruck. Despite enjoying a numerical advantage, Scotland could not capitalise as South Africa defended superbly and won a crucial turnover before returning to a full complement.

The Springboks’ replacements made an immediate impact. Elrigh Louw crashed over after sustained forward pressure to restore the hosts’ lead before Damian Willemse finished a superb counter-attacking move after playing a key role in launching the attack himself. Pollard converted both tries to give South Africa breathing room at 28-14.

The pressure continued to mount as the Springbok pack imposed themselves physically. Replacement prop Zach Porthen marked his first Test appearance with a try from close range after another dominant attacking lineout, extending the advantage to 35-14.

Scotland still had one final fightback in them. Josh Bayliss punished a lapse in concentration from the restart before Ben White darted over after quick ball around the fringes cut the deficit to just seven points.

With momentum swinging towards the visitors, the Springboks delivered the decisive blow. Playing under advantage, Pollard chipped a perfectly weighted grubber into space for Jesse Kriel, who gathered at full speed before racing away to score the match-winning try from inside his own half.

Embrose Papier. Photo: SA Rugby

Pollard added the conversion to complete a composed display from the tee as the Springboks sealed a deserved 42-28 victory. Scotland earned plenty of respect for pushing the double world champions to the limit, but South Africa once again demonstrated their ability to find another gear when the pressure was at its greatest.

Scorers:

Springboks: Tries - Embrose Papier, Evan Roos, Elrigh Louw, Damian Willemse, Zach Porthen, Jesse Krie Conv. - Handré Pollard 5, Quan Horn

Scotland: Tries - Matt Fagerson, Kyle Rowe, Josh Bayliss, Ben White Conv. - Finn Russell 4

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg