Springboks edge out brave Scots
Scotland 20 Sth Africa 26
GREGOR TOWNSEND hailed the “outstanding” effort from his Scotland side in their narrow defeat to South Africa.
The two countries traded two tries each in a magnificent, open first half before flyhalf Handre Pollard’s boot edged the Springboks to victory in a contrastingly tense and bruising second period where only three more penalties were added.
Pete Horne and Hamish Watson went over for Scotland while Jesse Kriel and Pollard were South Africa’s try scorers, with Pollard adding two conversions and three penalties.
Greg Laidlaw kicked 10 points for Scotland.
Head coach Townsend said: “I’m disappointed for the team, there was a lot of effort that went in and some great moments in the game. The effort they put in was outstanding. We will learn and become a better team for it.”
On the decision not to level at 23-23 after being awarded a penalty, he added: “It’s a players decision.”