Player ratings: Outmuscled
OPINION: South Africa squeezed Scotland out with a dominant second-half performance to earn victory at Murrayfield.
They backed up their win against Wales with a typically powerful performance, and despite trailing at the break, pulled away in the second half, eventually winning 30-15.
A pair of tries from prolific Makazole Mapimpi gave the visitors victory despite a brace from Stuart Hogg, taking him level with Scotland’s all-time record.
Gavin Harper rates the Scottish players!
15. Stuart Hogg – 6
Bounced back from an early high ball drop. Worked in tandem with Russell to move the Springboks around. Two excellent finishes to level Scotland’s all-time try record with Ian Smith and Tony Stanger.
14. Rufus McLean – 4
After a brace of tries on debut a fortnight ago, this was a big step up. A couple of glimpses of his attacking prowess but caught too narrow as Mapimpi scampered up the touchline for the Springboks opening score.
13. Chris Harris – 5
Did well to release the wingers when he had a chance to do so, and marshalled the home defence well.
12. Matt Scott – 4
Unable to establish himself on his international return. Threw a loose pass early on and beaten for pace by de Allende for the visitors’ second try. Played an integral part in Hogg’s second score.
11. Duhan van der Merwe – 7
One electric break from his own try line that had Murrayfield on its feet. Then instrumental in Scotland’s try, first gathering the kick before getting a return from Skinner.
10. Finn Russell – 5
Some sublime touches in attack, including the cross-kick to put van der Merwe away for Hogg’s first try, and a lovely offload for the captain’s second. Missed eight points from the tee though.
9. Ali Price – 6
Box kicked well to put Kriel and Mapimpi under pressure, and got the ball sharply away when it was on to attack.
1. Pierre Schoeman – 6
One outstanding steal on Etzebeth early on, but caught in two minds as the visitors scored their first try. Eight tackles before he made way on the hour.
2. Stuart McInally – 6
Missed last week through illness but back in the starting side, the former captain threw himself into everything. A great shift.
3. Zander Fagerson – 4
Put under pressure at the scrum, and was kept quiet in the loose.
4. Sam Skinner – 6
An important early lineout steal when Scotland were under pressure and a lovely offload in the build-up to Hogg’s try.
5. Grant Gilchrist – 6
Coming into this series, the absence of Scott Cummings and Jonny Gray would’ve been a concern, but the Edinburgh man has put his hand up. Another combative, physical performance.
6. Nick Haining – 5
Selected for his physicality and it was needed in a ferocious Test match. Some big carries into Vermeulen and Kolisi.
7. Jamie Ritchie – 6
On the edge at the breakdown, and conceded too many penalties. Led the defensive effort, but ultimately ill-discipline across the board cost Scotland.
8. Matt Fagerson – 6
Growing every time he wears the jersey but this was a tough assignment against the world champions. Made 10 carries and 11 tackles in a combative showing.
Replacements
16. Ewan Ashman – 5
On for McInally with 20 minutes to go. Lineouts faltered and Scotland lost the breakdown battle.
17. Jamie Bhatti – 5
Battled away but under pressure at the scrum and wasn’t able to offer himself like Schoeman had previously.
By Gavin Harper, @RugbyPass
