South Africa 34
Scotland 16
South Africa muscled their way past Scotland to victory at St. James' Park this evening, leaving the Springboks in pole position to claim top spot in Pool B.
The tries came from Schalk Burger, JP Pietersen and Bryan Habana, while Handre Pollard kicked four penalties and a drop goal in an excellent display with the boot. On the other side, Tommy Seymour scored one of the triess of the tournament for Scotland.
It certainly wasn't the prettiest of games to watch at the World Cup, but in terms of sheer physicality and intensity it was up there as both sides flew into tackles and keept Nigel Owens busy at ruck-time.
South Africa controlled the first half as their pack intimidated & bullied Scotland with their aggressive work rate at the breakdown and got their just rewards when Schalk Burger grounded after 13 minutes to put the Boks in front.
Pollard converted and then struck two more penalties to give South Africa a 16 point lead before Scotland got on the board through Greg Laidlaw after 30 minutes.
It was all South Africa at this stage but then Jannie DuPlessis threw Scotland a lifeline after he was yellow carded for a shoulder barge, but the Boks remained unfazed and actually crossed for another try through JP Pietersen as they closed out the half with 14 men. The try stemmed from a rolling maul, a source of much joy for the Boks in the opening 40 as Fourie DuPreez picked and drew the man before feeding the winger to crash over. Pollard landed the conversion they went into the break 20-3 ahead.
Pollard dropped a goal to move extend the lead and then Laidlaw found himself sin-binned for a cynical drag down of Bryan Habana. However, Scotland stood firm as Weir and Pollard exchanged penalties while Laidlaw was in the bin.
The Bravehearts couldn't close the gap any further, as the immaculate place kicking of Pollard took centre stage as he turned the Boks dominance into points. He added another penalty to put more daylight between the sides but the Scottish resilience was finally broken when Habana dotted down.
The result leaves South Africa top with 11pts, Scotland second with 10pts and Japan third on 8pts.
Full Match Highlights:
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