Five things we learned as spirited Scotland beaten by South Africa

Two scores from wing Makazole Mapimpi either side of another from prop Thomas du Toit saw the world champions home, while Handre Pollard also kicked 12 points.  

The visitors made the perfect start Mapimpi – who scored twice in the 2021 win at Murrayfield – repeated the feat inside five minutes after collecting Pollard’s cross-kick and beating Tom Jordan’s tackle to score in the corner. Pollard sliced the conversion, but the Springboks led 5-0 after as many minutes. 

A tough start got worse for Scotland when the hosts lost lock Scott Cummings to the sin-bin for a dangerous clear-out at a ruck, which not only handed the Springboks a numerical advantage but denied Finn Russell a kick at goal after a promising home attack.  

However, the home side did get on the board while down a man, Russell landing a penalty after Franco Mostert obstructed Blair Kinghorn in the chase of a kick.  

Then came the game’s major talking point, with Cummings’ yellow card upgraded to a 20-minute red by the foul play review officer, or the ‘bunker’.  

But again Scotland responded well and won another kickable penalty through Jack Dempsy, allowing Russell to fire the 14 men in front as the game entered its second quarter, and Russell scuffed a drop-goal attempt that could have extended the lead shortly after. 

If South Africa’s opening score was from terrific execution, their second came from luck and a fortuitous refereeing decision. Prop Thomas du Toit gathered an overthrown lineout that had seemingly gone forward to scamper over. Pollard landed the conversion to put the visitors 12-6 ahead. 

A third Russell penalty just after the half-hour cut the gap again as Max Williamson replaced the red carded Cummings in a new law trial by World Rugby, but it was quickly cancelled out as Mapimpi repeated his two-try feat from three years ago after collecting another kick to score.  

But again Scotland refused to go away and seemed to have their first try as scrum-half Ben White got on the end of a terrific break by Jordan, but the try was chalked off by the Television Match Official for a knock-on in the build-up and South Africa maintained their 10-point cushion at the break.  

A fourth Russell penalty again cut the gap four minutes into the second half just as Erasmus deployed the ‘bomb squad’ with five players, including Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit, sent on from the bench.  

An excellent move nearly put Duhan van der Merwe away just before the hour before Jordan again found space and got to within five metres, but South Africa recovered to clear the danger.  

By the hour mark, Scotland were the game’s dominant force and Russell’s penalty cut the deficit, only to be cancelled out by a three-pointer from Pollard. 

And Jasper Wiese's try in the final minute rubber-stamped a ninth win in a row for South Africa over Scotland. 

Here are five things we learned from Scottish Gas Murrayfield.  

Fine margins costly  

Tight Test matches such as this are decided by fine margins, and Scotland had their opportunities to put away a world class side but could not take them. A pass from Jones to van der Merwe floated into touch, there was a knock-on in the shadow of the visitors’ posts and a dropped cross-kick.  

It is imperative to take those chances to beat the best teams in the world. Scotland found that out the hard way.  

Scotland's starters a match South African physicality 

When these sides met at the Rugby World Cup, South Africa dominated physically and squeezed Scotland.  

Townsend’s side did not allow the same to happen here, with Jack Dempsey and Rory Darge to the fore with ball in hand.  

Jack Dempsey outstanding

The number eight was outstanding with ball in hand and took the game to the Springboks with his direct carrying. His departure was a turning point as the visitors wrestled back control, and the injury he picked up did not look too promising for the next couple of weeks. 

He must now be in serious consideration for a British and Irish Lions place against his native Australia. 

Strength in depth telling 

South Africa had picked a bench comprising seven forwards and just one back, and five minutes into the second half, Erasmus sent on five top operators, including regular captain Siya Kolisi and former World Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit.  

While Scotland coped well immediately following their arrival, the introduction of the home bench saw a shift in the game’s momentum as the Springboks took the game away from Scotland.  

Springboks ruthless

Scotland were the better side in spells, but failed to convert their opportunities and were made to pay by the visitors, who were ruthless when a chance presented itself. 

Mapimpi's first-half double both caeme from well-crafted opportunities, while du Toit was fortunate to gather a loose ball as he ran clear. Wiese's try late on came as the aforementioned 'bomb squad' took control of the closing stages. 

Scotland: Tom Jordan (McDowall 70), Blair Kinghorn, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Finn Russell, Ben White (Dobie 68); Pierre Schoeman (Sutherland 60), Ewan Ashman (Richardson 60), Zander Fagerson (Millar Mills 65), Grant Gilchrist, Scott Cummings (Williamson 32), Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge (Ritchie 60), Jack Dempsey (Bayliss 63) 

Penalties: Russell (17, 22, 32, 43, 60) 

Red card: Cummings (12) 

South Africa: Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Jaden Hendrikse (Williams 68); Ox Nche (Steenekamp 45), Bongi Mbonambi (Marx 45), Thomas du Toit (Kock 45), Eben Etzebeth (captain), Franco Mostert (Snyman 40), Marco van Staden (Kolisi 45), Elrigh Louw (du Toit 45), Kwagga Smith (Wiese 45)

Tries: Mapimpi (4, 34) T. du Toit (29), Wiese (79)

Conversions: Pollard (30, 35, 80)

Penalties: Pollard (65, 73) 

Yellow card: Mapimpi (58)  

Referee: Christophe Ridley (England) 

Attendance: 67,144 

Player of the Match:  Eben Etzebeth