South Africa run in four tries as world champions prove too strong for Scotland | Autumn Nations Series

There's not much room for debate on this. Scotland gave their all in this game and thrilled their beloved stadium time and time again, but their 4 tries to 0 tells the story. And something familiar there. South Africa didn't seem to be playing any better than us, but they were just too strong.

As the Springboks held the swinging Scots at arm's length, rarely causing trouble despite the onslaught and enthusiasm of their opponents, images of ravenous punchers unable to land a blow came to mind. . On either side of half-time, Scotland broke through numerous times but were unable to score a single try, let alone four. Eben Ezebeth, the only Springbok forward to play a full game, was an iconic figure, big and intimidating and at times putting a smile on his opponents' faces.

Franco Mostert, who was in the engine room in the first half, was the victim of a double clear-out and Scott Cummings was given a 20-minute red card in the first quarter. Scotland managed to survive his absence, despite the Springboks scoring the odd try during his absence, but the Scots' strength waned as the match wore on, fading away the longer the match dragged on. .

Those who think this 20-minute red card will lead to a wave of lawlessness as cynical coaches (perhaps with logic at work) tell their players to commit fouls at will. should at least take solace in the fact that these cards look like they are. Half-fat red wine will be issued more frequently than full-fat versions. Had it still been under the old regime, it is hard to imagine that Cummings' “crime” would have led to the ultimate sanction in just 11 minutes.

The incident happened quickly, with two fighters eliminating Mostert, who had already lost his balance and appeared to be falling backwards. At first it appeared that Rory Darge, another Scotsman, was the culprit. He could have just as easily been selected. A review found Cummings liable for the full penalty, leaving Scotland with just 20 minutes to make it 14 points. This was enough for Scotland to negotiate and they won 12-9 with Max Williamson replacing Cummings in the 32nd minute. Williamson entered the fray and Finn Russell converted his third penalty.

Moments earlier, South Africa had regained the lead with a stunning try. Bongi Mbonambi was already struggling at lineouts and struggled to find Mostert at attacking set-pieces inside the Scotland 22. But the loose ball fell to Thomas du Toit, and the Springbok prop found himself slinking over to the line.

Unfortunately for Scotland, South Africa's remaining two tries of the first half were undisputed, both well-constructed by Makazole Mapimpi. Both sides of the Scottish defense looked strangely absent, but the cross-kick that set up Mapimpi was well-placed by Handre Pollard in the 4th minute and Willie Le Roux in the 35th minute, with Le Roux in particular proving to be a genius. It was spot on.

Scotland thought they had scored just before half-time, but here's how that happened. Sione Tuipuloto released Tom Jordan, but he continued to attack, looking like a full-back. His inside ball found Ben White and sent Murrayfield into a frenzy. Sadly, the try was chalked away as the TV match officials spotted a knock-on at the ruck in front by Huw Jones, and the Springboks' 19-9 lead survived until half-time.

Russell brought the score back to seven points just minutes into the second half after receiving a rare foul for the Springboks in the scrum. Within a few more minutes, South Africa had all seven of their forwards on the bench, but this only seemed to encourage Scotland.

The purplest part continued, with the Scot breaking through the Springbok defence, and a minute later Jones was stepping this way and that, followed by Jordan doing much the same. Sure, Scotland should score, but especially if Mapimpi is given a yellow card at the height of the excitement.

But when playing against world champions, such encouragement has to be reflected in the form of points, and a lot of them. All Scotland could take from those 15 minutes of pressure was Russell add three more points in the same period to pull within four points.

That was exactly where they were coming from. The Springbok machine was relentless, especially during scrums, and cranked up towards the final quarter. Pollard converted two penalties for a 10-point lead with about five minutes left. Jasper Wiese scored South Africa's fourth goal after another Scottish scrum collapsed in the final minute.

It's an ugly scoreline for Scotland's somewhat encouraging performance, but some stories are solidified. These South Africans can beat you in many different ways. They deserve to be the best in the world.