Scotland 8 - 27 South Africa: Mistakes cost battling Scotland dear

THE task facing Scotland women's coach Gary Parker in the build-up to the World Cup in August became clearer as he saw his side undone by a massive error count against the Springboks at Lasswade. However, there was some cause for optimism and the Scots matched South Africa in many facets of the game.

Scotland earned a penalty from the kick-off and Nicola Halfpenny was on target to nudge the hosts ahead. A determined Scottish defensive effort prevented South Africa opening their account until the 11th minute when Yolanda Meiring kicked the equalising points. No.8 Susie Brown was the main contributor to the Scottish tackle count but she and Tanya Griffith were powerless as Namhla Siyolo thundered over for a try that gave South Africa an 8-3 lead at the break.

The Springboks extended their advantage two minutes after the restart when their captain Mandisa Williams pounced on a loose pass and raced over. Then, with Lamla Momoti in the sin bin, the Scots battled back with a superb score from Lucy Millard who sliced through the defence to touch down.

However, then Lorinda Brown grabbed a try converted by Meiring. And the visitors capped their win with a fourth try from Zenay Jordaan, who also converted.

Scotland:

N Halfpenny; C Hawthorn, L Millard, V Fitzpatrick (S Johnston 74), L Douglas; T Griffith (E Kerr 53), L Dalgleish (S Gill 64); H Lockhart, S Walker (A MacDonald 74), G McCord, M Napier (B Dickens 43), L Moffat, L Reid (R Slaven 64), D Kennedy (L Gray 67), S Brown.

South Africa:

Y Meiring (Z Nojoko 76); M Jordaan (D Scheepers 53), C Kayser, L Brown, P Gadu; Z Jordaan, S Booysen (C Roberts 79); N Botha (P Jonga 74), D Sidumba (N Poswa), C Kula, N Booi, D Mavumengwana, L Momoti (N Faleni 62), M Williams, N Siyolo

Referee: C Daniels.

Scorers. Scotland:

Try – Millard. Pen – Halfpenny.

South Africa:

Tries – Siyolo, Williams, Brown, Z Jordaan. Cons – Meiring, Z Jordaan. Pen – Meiring.