Scotland produced a spirited display but lacked the guile to get over the line as they succumbed to a ninth consecutive defeat at the hands of world champions South Africa at Murrayfield on Sunday.
The Scots got to within four points of the Springboks at a packed Murrayfield in the second half, but Rassie Erasmus’ men proved too savvy and strong in Edinburgh and left with a 32-15 triumph.
Three first-half tries - two from flying winger Makazole Mapimpe and one from second-row Thomas du Toit - laid the foundations for this South African win, with Jasper Wiese landing a late score and Handre Pollard adding ten points from the boot.
Finn Russell was flawless with his own goal kicking, landing 15 points, but the wind was taken out of Scotland’s sails when a Ben White try was disallowed after the conversion due to a knock-on earlier in the move from Huw Jones.
Scotland are next in action against Portugal at Murrayfield on Saturday, while the Springboks move back up to being the world No 1 team with this win.
We give each Scotland starter a mark out of ten for their performance against South Africa.
5. Scott Cummings
Started the game well with a lineout steal - but it went south thereafter, sin-binned for a croc-roll in the breakdown that was upgraded to a 20-minute red card on 12 minutes. Scotland camp thought the award was harsh. 5 | SNS Group
6. Matt Fagerson
Crucial knock-on when Scotland were pushing for try on 55 minutes. Like his fellow forwards, battled valiantly against the South African tide. 6 | SNS Group / SRU
7. Rory Darge
Always chipping away in the breakdown and put in a number of big hits. Replaced by Jamie Ritchie after emptying the tank. 7 | SNS Group
8. Jack Dempsey
Put in some massive carries and hits, but had his match cruelly cut short when he appeared to suffer an arm injury on 64 minutes. Taken off for Josh Bayliss. 7 | SNS Group / SRU