The Boks edged their opponents six tries to four in a thrilling match.
Springbok scrumhalf Embrose Papier on his way to scoring a try against Scotland. Picture: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images
The Springboks beat Scotland 42-28 in a thrilling, edge-of-the-seat round two Nations Championship match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday.
In a match full of drama and in which Scotland played their part with some excellent attacking rugby, the game was tied up at 14-all at the break.
The Boks scored six tries to Scotland’s four, with both team’s kickers also enjoying a 100% record.
Bok boss Rassie Erasmus won’t be too pleased with his team’s defensive frailties. They scrummed well though and probably shaded their opponents in the rucks and mauls. The tries they scored were also top notch, while their power play late on to seal the game was impressive.
The Boks were much changed from last week when they beat England at Ellis Park, with several younger, inexperienced players getting a run. Many of them stuck up their hands, especially flanker Paul de Villiers, who was outstanding.
The Boks take on Wales in Durban next weekend, to wrap up their July Tests in the new competition.
Below is The Citizen’s coverage of the match.
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TEAMS
South Africa: Aphelele Fassi, Edwill van der Merwe, Jesse Kriel, Damian Willemse, Ethan Hooker, Handré Pollard, Embrose Papier, Evan Roos, Pieter-Steph du Toit (capt), Paul de Villiers, Ruan Nortjé, Cobus Wiese, Wilco Louw, Johan Grobbelaar, Boan Venter. Bench: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Zach Porthen, Ben-Jason Dixon, Vincent Tshituka, Elrigh Louw, Grant Williams, Quan Horn
Scotland: Kyle Rowe, Kyle Steyn, Rory Hutchinson, Sione Tuipulotu (capt), Jamie Dobie, Finn Russell, Ben White, Jack Dempsey, Rory Darge, Matt Fagerson, Scott Cummings, Gregor Brown, Zander Fagerson, Ewan Ashman, Pierre Schoeman. Bench: Gregor Hiddleston, Rory Sutherland, Will Hurd, Max Williamson, Josh Bayliss, Magnus Bradbury, Tom Jordan, Stafford McDowall.
