Scotland vs South Africa LIVE: Rugby result, final score and reaction from 2021 Autumn international fixture
Follow live coverage as Scotland take on the Springboks aiming to build on their impressive win over Australia last time out
Scotland are taking on South Africa at Murrayfield hoping to take another huge scalp a week on from their impressive win over Australia. This time though they will need to go up another gear as they face the reigning world champions, and a Springboks side who have not lost to the Scots since 2010, winning their past six encounters.
Gregor Townsend has made four changes to the team which started the win over Australia, with Rufus McLean installed on the wing and Matt Scott given his first start at centre since 2017, while Stuart McInally and Nick Haining come into the pack. Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber has made three changes to the side which edged Wales, including full-back Willie le Roux replacing the injured Damian Willemse.
Townsend knows it will be a tough encounter, but believes home advantage could again be key. “We know what to expect from the Springboks in how they play and the physicality they will bring across the team. We have therefore selected a side that we believe can both meet that challenge and give us the platform to impose our game on the opposition. It should be a full-blooded contest and will require an intensity and focus across our 23-man squad for the full 80 minutes.”
Follow all the action below, live, followed by Ireland against New Zealand:
Scotland 10-15 South Africa (Jantjies con 44’)
There’s a pause as the try is checked - there was a suggestion Kriel had knocked the ball on when challenging Van der Merwe.
Jantjies then adds the conversion with an excellent kick from the left wing.
TRY! Scotland 10-13 South Africa (MAPIMPI 43’)
It’s another superb finish from Mapimpi, following a brilliant break and pass from De Allende!
Van der Merwe can under pressure from Kriel when collecting a high ball, and South Africa were able to regain possession at halfway. They quickly worked it left and De Allende burst through a gap and making a wonderful offload, which Mapimpi collected with delicate hands on the wing before racing clear.
Scotland 10-8 South Africa
41 mins: South Africa immediately dial up the pressure on Scotland - as Jesse Kriel chases down the kick-off to pin Scotland back inside their own 10 before the Springboks turned the ball over!
Their move was short lived, however, as Koch concedes the penalty at the breakdown, and Scotland breathe a sigh of relief. Russell clears to halfway.
KICK-OFF! Scotland 10-8 South Africa
We’re back underway for a huge second half in Edinburgh! South Africa have made a further change, with Cobus Reinach replacing Herschel Jantjies at scrum-half.
HALF TIME! Scotland 10-8 South Africa
Two great finishes from two fantastic finishers! Scotland will be disappointed they don’t lead by more though...
Gregor Townsend’s men won’t be getting ahead of themselves just yet, as they will know South Africa can really turn it on in the second half - just as they did in overcoming Wales last weekend.
But Scotland are 40 minutes away from securing a famous win against the world champions and a first over the Springboks since 2010! A huge second half at Murrayfield is coming up, next.
HALF TIME! Scotland 10-8 South Africa
Still, for Scotland to be leading the world champions by two points at the break is undoubtedly a positive outcome - especially as the hosts were forced into a lot of defensive work 10 metres out from their try-line.
Scotland, conversely, have made the most of their limited trips into the South Africa half - and their try was a beauty!
HALF TIME! Scotland 10-8 South Africa
Groans meet the half-time whistle at Murrayfield, as Russell sends a late opportunity to extend Scotland’s lead to five points wide of the posts following a penalty!
It’s certainly a let off for South Africa, who needlessly conceded the penalty as two of their substitutes, Malcolm Marx and Vincent Koch, got their positioning all wrong at the breakdown.
Scotland couldn’t take advantage however, as Russell’s kick drifts wide.
Scotland 10-8 South Africa
39 mins: It’s all a little ragged from Scotland - but they keep possession despite losing some ground. Scotland then get some relief as Etzebeth concedes the penalty in the breakdown.
And that’s brilliant from Russell! As the clock hits the red, he puts the ball on the 22 to give Scotland a late opportunity. South Africa also decide to use this moment to change their front row!
Scotland 10-8 South Africa
37 mins: South Africa concede a quick penalty following the restart, as Etzebeth goes high on McInally. Russell kicks for touch and it sets up Scotland possession on the halfway line.
Scotland 10-8 South Africa (Russell con 37’)
Russell adds the conversion in front of the posts to give Scotland the lead before half time.
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