Scotland player ratings from South Africa defeat as Jones impresses

The reigning world champions were too strong for Gregor Townsend's men with Scott Cummings' 20-minute red card extremely costly. It was an extremely controversial decision as the initial yellow card decision from referee Christophe Ridley seemed fair before it was harshly upgraded by the TMO. 

The Springboks scored three tries in the first-half but Finn Russell's trusted book kept Scotland in the encounter and they were cruelly denied an excellent try just before half-time when the TMO spotted a knock-on from Huw Jones.

READ MORE: Five things we learned as South Africa's class shows against Scotland

South Africa led 19-9 at the interval but Scotland rallied impressively in the second half as two further Russell penalties reduced the deficit to just four points with South Africa down to 14-men after Makazole Mapimpi was yellow carded.

The hosts were unable to capitalise on their man advantage as South Africa extended their lead by three points by 22-15 before they were restored to 15 men. 

The Springboks’ defensive effort was incredible as Scotland applied pressure in the second half and they extended their advantage during the final ten minutes to win by 17 points. Here’s how the players rated for Scotland at Murrayfield.

15. Tom Jordan

First professional start of his career at full-back on his full debut for Scotland. Couldn’t tackle Makazole Mapimpi as South Africa scored early. But Jordan settled really well and looked comfortable at test level with his running threat and physicality from full-back a bonus. 7  

14. Blair Kinghorn

Starved of ball in the first half and South Africa scored twice down his side with Scotland’s defence stretched. Kinghorn was sloppily penalised for failing to let  Pollard get to his feet with Scotland applying pressure but he was more dangerous in the second half. 6

13. Huw Jones

Exquisite through the legs pass in the opening 10 minutes and was unfortunately penalised for a knock-on for Scotland’s disallowed try. Jones was excellent after the break and brushed off defenders with ease as he showcased his evasive running ability. 8

12. Sione Tuipulotu

The Scotland captain wasn’t as influential as usual until a brilliant flat pass released Jordan but White’s try was disallowed for a knock on. Tuipulotu always looked to get involved and produced several perfectly timed passes. 7

11. Duhan van der Merwe

Like his fellow winger Kinghorn, Van der Merwe wasn’t afforded many opportunities to stretch his legs during the first half. Scotland’s leading try scorer almost burst clear in the second half but was denied by a covering tackle. 6

10. Finn Russell

Managed the game really well with Scotland down to 14-men and kicked superbly throughout. Russell was unable to showcase his creative brilliance but it was a predominantly matured and controlled performance with rare flashes of brilliance. 7

(Image: SNS Group / SRU)

9. Ben White

Secured much quicker ball from the breakdown than Ali Price against Fiji but also controlled the clock well with box kicks when down to 14-men. White showed why he’s Scotland’s first choice scrum-half and it was telling that he lasted 69 minutes before being replaced. 7

1. Pierre Schoeman

Couple of really important tackles in the first half as he fronted up to the physical South Africans. Schoeman wasn’t afraid to do the dirty work against an opposing Springbok pack and worked tirelessly before being replaced. 6

2. Ewan Ashman

Massive hit on Eben Etzebeth on 24 minutes roused the Murrayfield crowd. Two really poor line-out throws cost Scotland as they looked to gain momentum, especially one in the Springboks 22. 5 

3. Zander Fagerson

Fronted up to the physical South African’s and Scotland’s scrum coped well given the circumstances. Brilliant pop pass in the second half almost released Van der Merwe for a try. 6

4. Grant Gilchrist

Battled diligently without his fellow lock and got through a power of work at the breakdown. The veteran completed the full 80 minutes and his experienced is highly valued by Gregor Townsend. 6

5. Scott Cummings

Received a costly, if slightly harsh, yellow card after just 11 minutes for a perceived croc-roll infringement and it was upgraded to a twenty-minute red which ended his involvement early. 4 

(Image: SNS Group)

6. Matt Fagerson

Dependable in his defensive responsibilities and disrupted the Springboks at the breakdown on several occasions. Fagerson’s industry and energy levels are a huge asset  and he fully deserves his starting role. 7

7. Rory Darge

Typically industrious performance from the flanker but was actually guilty of the croc-roll infringement, not Cummings. Darge was a constant nuisance at the breakdown without producing his best display for Scotland. 6

8. Jack Dempsey

Typically powerful running and rarely failed to get over the gain line. Dempsey was a dependable ball carrier for Scotland all afternoon but he sustained a nasty shoulder injury as he was replaced for the final 15 minutes. 6

Replacements: 

16. Dylan Richardson 

Offers something different than Ashman at hooker but faced a fresh South African pack. 5

17. Rory Sutherland

Industrious after coming on for Schoeman. Scrummed fairly well against a daunting Springbok pack. 5

18. Elliot Millar Mills

Replaced Fagerson for the final 15 minutes but couldn’t make a notable impact. 5

19. Max Williamson

Entered the fray on 32 minutes as Cummings’ 20-minute red card replacement. Williamson has improved dramatically across the last 18 months for Glasgow and he’s growing in confidence on the international stage. 6

20. Josh Bayliss

Replaced Jack Dempsey but didn’t make a significant impact. 5

21. Jamie Ritchie

Received a warm welcome when he entered the action for Darge and constantly looked to win turnovers at the breakdown. 5

22. Jamie Dobie

Rewarded for his impressive cameo against Fiji with more minutes against the Springboks. 5

23. Stafford McDowall

Replaced Tom Jordan at the death. 5