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Rugby Union

Springbok defence too strong for Scots

26/08/2007

South Africa's defence proved too strong for Scotland as the visitors comfortably won 27-3 in their World Cup warm-up encounter at Murrayfield.

Three tries in six minutes during a frantic first half proved to be Scotland's downfall, while the fierce Springbok defence denied the home side a way back into the game in the second half.

Scotland started brightly and took the game to their more fancied rivals. South Africa failed to find touch with a number of clearances and that allowed full-back Rory Lamont to charge back into the heart of the Boks 22 meter line.

Despite this pressure all Scotland could come away with was a Chris Paterson penalty after nine minutes, which Percy Montgomerie soon levelled moments later.

Handling errors began to creep into Scotland's game and the Springboks took advantage. South Africa were handed good field position 20 meters from Scotland's line and made it count as Bryan Habana went through untouched.

Danie Rossouw peeled off the back of the scrum and fed Habana who hit the pass at pace and scorched through the Scotland defence for the first try.

The Springboks upped the tempo of the game and Scotland struggled to cope with the force of the visitors' pack. Francois Steyn made a telling break and when the ball was re-cycled quickly Jaque Fourie was on hand to touchdown for the second try.

A flowing passing move helped the Springboks claim their third try three minutes later as the Scot's defence became stretched. Montgomerie dived for the line but was held up only for Fourie du Preez to burrow over from short-range.

Montgomerie converted all three tries to give the visitors a 24-3 lead at the break.

The full-back added another penalty at the beginning of the second half to extend their advantage.

Despite a raft of changes from both sides throughout the second period Scotland could not find a way past the defiant South African defence.