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.
13. Huw Jones
Lovely through-the-legs pass. Penalised for a slight knock-on to deny White his try late in the first half and then overcooked a pass to Van der Merwe that would have set the winger free. Nearly redeemed himself with a surging run through three tackles. 6 | PA
14. Blair Kinghorn
Did not see enough of the ball after being switched to wing from full-back. Had one good run down flank but blotted copybook by conceding needless penalty when pouncing on Willie le Roux too early. 6 | SNS Group / SRU
15. Tom Jordan
Failed to stop Makazole Mapimpi with tackle that wasn't high enough early on. Ball bounced over his head from Le Roux kick. Grew into the game and was a real threat in attack in the second half. 6 | SNS Group / SRU
16. Scotland replacements
Max Williamson was the 20-minute red-card replacement for Cummings. Spilled a lineout when Scotland were on the offensive. Dylan Richardson, Rory Sutherland, Jamie Ritchie, Elliot Millar Mills, Josh Bayliss, Jamie Dobie and Stafford McDowall all appeared in the second half. | PA