Scotland fought from 14-0 behind to level at half-time against South Africa; though Springboks then seemed set for victory, tries from Josh Bayliss, Ben White moved Scotland to within seven points with 10 minutes to go; breakaway try from Jesse Kriel eventually ensured South Africa win
Last Updated: 11/07/26 7:19pm
Scotland scored two tries in two minutes to get within seven points of South Africa with 10 minutes to play before the Springboks struck the final blow
Scotland produced another big performance against top-tier opposition but their wait for a first win in South Africa continues after they went down 42-28 in a thrilling Nations Championship showdown in Pretoria.
Having beaten England, France and Argentina in impressive fashion already this year, Gregor Townsend’s side made the Springboks fight until the end for their victory.
After roaring back from 14-0 down to level things up at half-time, the Scots were ultimately left to rue their inability to score while Ben-Jason Dixon was in the sin bin early in the second half.
The Boks looked to have broken the visitors’ resolve when they ran in three tries in the space of 10 minutes either side of the hour mark.
But Scotland hit back again through Josh Bayliss and Ben White to close to within a converted try of their hosts, who eventually made sure of a hard-fought victory with a late breakaway try from Jesse Kriel.
South Africa – Tries: Papier (17), Roos (19), Louw (58), Willemse (60), Porthen (66), Kriel (78). Cons: Pollard (18,20,58,61,67), Horn (78).
Scotland – Tries: Fagerson (34), Rowe (40), Bayliss (68), White (70). Cons: Russell (35,41,68,71).
The Springboks made 10 changes to the team that had defeated England the week before and, with a relatively inexperienced side, were there for the taking.
But a wasteful Scotland could not capitalise and remain winless in South Africa after eight attempts.
It will be hugely frustrating for coach Gregor Townsend, whose side were on top for large parts of the contest but were let down by errors in crucial moments.
Tuipulotu: I’m gutted, so disappointed we didn’t capitalise
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu said:
“I am a little bit gutted to be honest. South Africa came out really hot but we were able to battle back.
“The period after half-time hurt us. We had a lot of possession in their 22 and didn’t capitalise.
“I am very disappointed at the moment but also proud of the group. We played a positive brand of rugby but it wasn’t good enough today.”
South Africa captain Pieter-Steph Du Toit said:
“All credit to Scotland, they came out and played unbelievably well. But I am proud of the guys, we stuck to our systems and finished well at the end.
“The system is so well prepared in this team, each player comes into the side and knows exactly what to do.
“We made some mistakes and they saw some weaknesses in our defence. We need to improve on that.”
What’s next?
Scotland face Fiji at Murrayfield for their third Nations Championship fixture on Saturday July 18 (2.10pm kick-off).
South Africa host Wales for their third Test of the summer, also on Saturday July 18, at Kings Park Stadium in Durban (4.40pm kick-off).
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