Autumn International: Scotland v South Africa Rugby Union

A crisp and sparkling November day, and the sound of the bagpipes

welcomes the Scotland rugby team to this, there is talent of the autumn

campaign, at Murrayfield, against the second-best team in the world,

South Africa. But on more than one occasion in recent years, Scotland

have seen of the best that the southern has two of. -- Scotland

have seen of the best that the southern hemisphere has to offer.

Here it comes, drop goal. He has nailed it! This to win the game. He

has missed it and Scotland have brought 27 long years of failure

against Australia resoundingly to a close. They have eaten the

Wallabies. -- beaten. The drop goal. It is not pretty but it is through.

Scotland have that victory over South Africa, over the world

champions. But these days the Springboks only

used to the All Blacks. 40 months since they lost to anyone else. The

mountainous biscuit --... Can eat the more than a decade since Bill

McLaren did his last commentary? A wonderful burst of him is here, his

daughter proudly beside. He would have been amused and amused by the

problems confronting the ground stuff this week, with a parasitic

weed chewing up the grass, which means the grass has had to be

sprayed all week with, wait for it... Garlic. So it could be an

interesting smell for the front rows. A feast of international rugby

this weekend. We share it with Andy Nichol and Stuart Hodge. And Justin

Marshall. Andy, a quick word about Scotland. A bit shaky for an hour or

so against Japan last weekend. What do you make of this team today? The

setup for this autumn was really there for them. Japan got the

cobwebs out of the system in the first 20 minutes. If you look at the

80 minute performance it was quite good. A lot of good things to come

out. Six changes made so a lot of changes from one week to the next.

That was the biggest stepping stone. This is the hardest game for

Scotland will stop you were out with the Lions this summer so you were

not part of the Scotland team. In the summer tour we were competing

against Samoa. The boys can take great confidence. Last week they

scored six tries and that is exactly what they are after. I am looking

forward to it. Physical is the word, isn't it, when the Springboks are

playing? You have spent the summer watching the southern hemisphere

rugby. What is your take on this current Springbok side? Quality

rugby at pace. For South Africa in particular, you think after the

World Cup, which they won, on a cooking game, -- kicking game...

They want to play a football balance. More strength in the

midfield and use their outside backs. Dynamic and powerful. They

are playing a really high tempo, fast-paced game. They have really

come on. This will be interesting, to see them playing these

conditions. We started off saying it was cool and sparkling and a

wonderful November day. It has started raining now. Let's reflect

on what happened yesterday, some magnificent rugby played in the

three matches we focused on. If you have been watching the last hour you

will have seen the best bits of England against New Zealand, but if

you did not, here they are. COMMENTATOR: Here is the early

chance! And the early score as well. Julian Savea touches down for the

All Blacks with less than two minutes on the clock.

Here is Kieran Read. He is over. England's second try of the game. A

little bit scrappy. Now it is down and over the line.

Nanna, here comes Savea. New Zealand get a try. -- Nonu.

Offer is a wholly impartial assessment of that game yesterday.

Work New Zealand slightly off their best? They were at their very best.

They spoke about not wanting revenge for the year before. There was a bit

of media propaganda. They were out there and ready to play. They have

lots of milestones, 50th test, 100th test. England turned up and reduced

a quality performance. They dominated position. What this team

is very good at at the moment, New Zealand, when a team dominates you,

like England did, not for the entire game, they strike at appropriate

times. With limited opportunities, they got final points at crucial

stages of the game. They want to play. Let's see the best matches now

from the -- best moments now from the matches in Dublin and Cardiff.

COMMENTATOR: Mike Phillips goes the length of the field to score! And

straight through. No stopping him now.

It is going to be a brilliant try for Australia. Finishing off a

sensational move. Hooper, from the back row, schools

Australia's second try. Australia have all bar three in this

driving maul. They claim the try. Cooper comes up

with it. So that is the best of the action

from our matches yesterday. I draw your attention to the stop over

there, Italy beating Fiji. That is possibly the most remarkable match

of the weekend. At one point during that game, Fiji were down to 11,

with four men in the sin-bin simultaneously. That has to be some

kind of record. Let's move on to today. Let's hear from the Scotland

coach, Scott Thomson, still the interim coach. -- Scott Johnson. You

have been saying Scotland need to walk and talk week. Are they up to

it? We are going to stand up today. There is no doubt about it. We have

made some changes. We will make sure we are competitive. You have proved

you can be competitive in the summer. How much confidence do you

take from the performance out in South Africa? We are kidding

ourselves thinking that looking back that far is the determining factor

today. But it shows that if we get it right we can compete with anyone.

Today is about getting it right. What is your strategy over this

autumn, looking at selection? A few raised eyebrows particularly against

the Springboks, not just to see Captain Kelly involved. We are

trying to give competitive team places. We have a short turnaround

before the next match. We have an arduous six or seven months of test

rugby in front of us so we are going to play right and get it right. It

is not just about the here and now. We are doing it right at the moment.

Well documented this week, a couple of players involved in off field

problems. Was there any question in your mind about leaving out Sean

Maitland and Ryan Grant this weekend? That is judicial issues,

outside, nothing to do with us. Let nature take its course with regard

that one. We will take action on our own behalf but it has nothing to do

with rugby as it stands now. Good luck.

This is the starting line-up for Scotland today.

COMMENTATOR: There is no cut might grant. This would appear to beat

Scotland's first choice second row. A lot of unbelievable conjecture

about the captain of, there, Kelly Brown. No change of halfback. Laid

low and Jackson played really well last week. -- laid. There were tries

by the wingers last week. STUDIO: And if you do have that

sporting statistics gene in you you will love today because Richie Gray

is playing and if he's brother, Jonny Gray, also plays they will be

the tallest brothers ever to play international rugby ever. Richard

Gray has been around for a number of years. Really established. We have

heard about this, the younger brother, for a number of years. That

potential is getting slowly realised. He is an outstanding

player. Stuart, you play with him at Glasgow. Give us an insight. He gets

over gay 999% of the time. You just want to give him the ball. He loves

a collision. -- he gets over the gain-line 99% of the time. It is a

great test for him. He is more than Kate or of taking it on. I am

excited to see what he can do. We have a very special guest with us at

Murrayfield today, a great former Springbok and World Cup winner in

1995. Arguably one of the greatest scrum halves ever to play the game.

He was at Edinburgh University with British Lion Scott Hastings, with a

group of scientists looking to work on development in research to combat

motor neurone disease, which he has. It leads to muscle wasting and

difficulties with speech. That is the foundation for Joost.

Justin, you played against him several times. What a player. He is

in the crowd and he is humbled by the disease. I am humbled by the

man. He is fighting a battle he will not win but he wants to make sure

that others that suffer what he is going through benefit from his

foundation. He was arguably the greatest scrum-half in the world, in

his time, he was the greatest rugby player in the world. You could

change the game like nobody else. I consider it a privilege to have

played with and against Joost. The eyes were still there. The eyes that

used to get on the pitch. The same way he approached his rugby, he is

approaching this disease in the same way. It is incredibly humbling and

an honour to have him here at Murrayfield. And a banner here for

him to know that one of their great former stars is here battling that

crippling disease. Let's hear from the man in charge of the South

Africans, Heyneke Meyer. You made clear this autumn season

democracy is is about making you ready for the World Cup, what are

you looking for and what are you hoping to learn against Scotland? We

expect the game to be very tough. A clinical performance. We are proud

of the guys and we want a clinical performance today. What areas are

you looking at with your squad selection for two years time in

mind? The set piece is the most important thing, and we are

improving the scrummaging. We were not happy last weekend but a set

piece is very important and the main thing today is to get a quick or

from the breakdown because we have been very great attacking-wise and

we went to let To get some quick balls in there. Any chance of a

scare happening today? We always respect our opponents. We want to

take it day by day, second by second, play-by-play. The results

will then take care of themselves. The guys are looking forward to a

good quality game. Thank you. Great budget to be in Scotland. This is

the Springboks starting line-up. Adriaan Strauss is dynamic. A

formidable front row, the second row sees the return of the dominant back

is Botha -- Bakkies Botha. The back row would have to be the strength.

Africa, France's low, Duane Vermeulen and Bill Alberts, and they

can also contest in the breakdown. -- Bill Alberts.

The centres, look at the power there, Jean De Villiers is in the

former civil life, Jaque Fourie, his pace has been great since his return

-- Jean De Villiers is in the form of his life. If they get the ball

out wide, they can cut the Scotland team apart. You mentioned Bakkies

Botha being back for the first time since the World Cup. There's not a

strength sign for the Springboks or a weakness was macular macro is a

strength to have him back because the form he has had -- or a

weakness? To have him back in the team after the ongoing battle, they

need the physicality and he asked to the team in terms of strength and

experience full stops one of the great young players coming through

will be learning from people like but is both.

Another Scottish fullback Chris Paterson is joining us on the

touch-line with Jill Douglas. We have been standing here charges

shelter from the rain, the conditions have deteriorated. We

expect its high balls coming your way and these damp conditions. We

have trained all week in conditions like this, and then the rain comes

on just before two cups of the -- just before kick off. A tough week

of the field but a chance for them to do what they do best on the

field. Sean is such a good player and can control possession. I would

like him to come and take the pressure and have an impact. They

have played against players of these calibre before as well. I would like

to see them with a ball in hand and dictating the play. We will let you

get back to commentary. JOHN INVERDALE: Scotland waiting to

come out on the field, the Springboks out already led out by JP

Pietersen winning his fifth cap today. You could only be in Scotland

with the sound of the pipes. -- 50th cap. The Whitburn brass band, the

band the Royal of Scotland here and representatives of the Black Watch

and the red hot chilli pipers and other pipers on top of the roof. The

sound on Iran or Murrayfield to bring Scotland in today. They will

know this will be the big battle of this autumn campaign. A quick

thought, Stuart. And much do you believe Scotland have? We can

definitely win this. If we keep moving the forwards back... It will

be a massive physical challenge. When you play South Africa, you have

to confront them physically. Wales were able to complete two compete.

Scotland have to be big but they are big. They have to go out there and

match them physically. We have a fly-past planned for when the

anthems are completed. The anthems are coming up now after which our

commentary team will be Justin Marshall and Chris Paterson and

Andrew Cotter. # O Flower Of Scotland.

# When will we see your like again. # That fought and died for.

# Your wee bit hill and glen. # That stood against him.

# Proud Edward's army. # And sent him homeward.

# Tae think again. # Those days are past now.

# And in the past they must remain. # But we can still rise now.

# And be the nation again. # That stood against him.

# Proud Edward's army. # And sent him homeward.

# Tae think again #. The singing of 50 men and more to

face two of the greatest tests of world rugby, always great power and

physicality in South Africa. This is the Scotland line-up that must try

to rise to the challenge. The jets fly overhead, and Richie

Gray and Jim Hamilton certainly have power. The props change.

In the backline, just one change, Duncan Taylor gets his first start

from injured Matt Scott. Nothing unexpected from South

Africa, the shape of their pack is enormous with Bakkies Botha and a

couple of changes in the back. Even if most of

couple of changes in the back. Even to the end of their careers, Pat

Lambie not one of those. The replacements are healthy for both

sides, Jonny Gray should earn his first cap for Scotland.

Greig Laidlaw, In The Absence Of Kelly Brown, Leading Scotland. South

African skipper Jean de Villiers. The countdown has begun. The

referee, Jerome Garces, says we are ready.

The crowd has gone rather quiet here at Murrayfield.

Through the middle, eventually Scotland with the mistake. They give

away a penalty, a shame after all that defensive effort. Good

afternoon, everybody. A great start from South Africa. Nothing come to

Katie at about their approach. -- nothing too complicated.

Lambie took the ball a few times but getting those big runners in.

Down it goes. A try is given. It was very simple in the end for South

Africa. After almost four minutes of

defence, Scotland hit the line and something so simple as a driving

line-out. Disappointing for Scotland to lose points so early on. The

shift is very good look at the word of Steenkamp. That is what makes

this try, the fact that he gets on and gets the drive.

Throw it to the tale of the line-out as well. It is a long throw.

The referee had a look at it from that side and could not see that he

came round and decided it was a try. -- but he came round and decided it

was a try. They wanted to take any potential

sting out of Scotland early on. Just a raise of the eyebrows from

Scott Johnson. Nothing more than that. The interim head coach. Vern

Cotter is coming in in June, next summer.

Fourie du Preez is such an important player. South Africa now have an

attacking platform. Once again, a hush around

Murrayfield. Scotland's line-out. Their structure

is very good, South Africa. Short, nice and direct. They managed to

shift the ball here wide. They are creating some space and getting

quick ruck ball at the moment as well.

The ball is loose and then offside. Scotland spared on that occasion,

but first things first. If Scotland are to have any chance today they

need to sort out the set piece. They need to come forward and be

aggressive. The players are arriving with some urgency. It is maybe a

tactic for Scotland to push the defence on the outside.

That one did not work for Scotland. They just put themselves under

pressure. There was only one player on Taylor that could have freed the

past. Different kicks from Scotland,

little kicks. They do not want to give South Africa too much.

This is where Scotland need to find a good touch, win the ball. As those

first 11 minutes has gone, Scotland need to get control. South Africa

will come apart from the outside. The Scottish attackers were just a

little bit flat. The space will be there. If you get too anxious, the

South Africans will shut you down. You just need to be patient.

Sean Lamont breaks the first line but again, Maitland should just be

half a yard deeper. Do not put yourself under pressure. Do not give

South Africa the opportunity. They will give you space but you need to

make sure you are nice and patient in finding that space of holding

your weight depth. South Africa are very structured. Their line-out was

working very well. They have stolen a couple of Scotland's balls as

well. In this injury break Scotland will have to get together and talk.

Not looking pretty Stadium yesterday, Wales against

Argentina. How will Scotland and the

stand up? Well, that went well. It looks all right to me out there.

Superficially. The roots have gone. That is just a slip. The back of the

scrum there, the second row, they can't get... It is coming up with

the roots. There is nothing the groundsman can

do, nothing the players can do about it, artificial pitches are the way

forward. Now in the modern day, most forwards where multi-soled boots.

Good old school stuff there. Look out. There is no rocking any more.

It is like scrumming on an ice rink here.

These men brought down by nematodes, the tiny microscopic

creatures. This is nice but he crushes on to the 22 again and once

more, South Africa are only front foot.

Did Jaque Fourie get there? No penalty is the decision from the

referee. He has got him for diving on the player. It is whether or not

he hit the ball. What he is saying is that he died on the player on the

ground which you are not allowed to do, you must give them chance to

play the ball. At the IQ fumbled it there. -- it looked like he fumbled

it there. Spotted the space and Sean Maitland is out why there. -- wide.

I think that is a let off for Scotland. Nice little kick through

for Pat Lambie. Bryan Habana went down, a couple of

penalties given against Scotland. REFEREE: Here, obstruction. Scotland

again conceding, South Africa launch their attack. This is where the

first penalty was conceded and then the second one as the ball is moved

out here. Premeditated, they checked by on Havana and took him out. This

was unnecessary. The test between... The penalty count was 20

with nine to Scotland. The way Pat Lambie hit that last one, no team

can win an international on penalties. Scoring a try...

Pat Lambie has posted a lot, I wasted opportunity, a poor kick from

him. -- pushed it a lot. The rain continues to patter down here.

Heyneke Meyer was Pat Lambie to become double to give him fly half

options. That was a classic example of the

outside back from South Africa coming up quick. The space of their

on the outside, De Villiers managed to get himself in field, was

compromise but it is about getting the ball there. The players will be

aware of it but they must be patient. 95th cap for Jean De

Villiers. The experience in the South African backline, the oldest

man pitches there. -- the oldest man on the pitch is there.

The reason that was so comfortable was because it was not straight. A

problem for Scotland at the moment, South Africa have got a good

line-out and always have. The timing is wrong. They need to use this

period in the game, the downtimes for injuries to figure out what is

going wrong and then they have 60 minutes to put it right. This will

be energy sapping for Scotland in defence. Just the one try on the

boards to put it in a Scot -- put it in a positive context.

They worked that well, Scotland. They needed to go in field to open

up space, they are nice and patient. They are still struggling to get out

of their own territory. South Africa have a short attacking line-out. It

is the required in here, or am I imagining it? It was so loud before

in the introduction # it is so quiet in here or am I imagining it.

The mother tackles they are having to make here -- the amount of

tackles they are having to make here.

Willie Le Roux is a fantastic runner. He has run the most metres

in the super championship throughout the summer, a wonderful player but

he has made good decisions today. He has not forced into a run, he is

very mature. The problem the way the South African team are playing, they

are forcing them to go to the line-outs and they are struggling in

this area. 51 tackles made by Scotland compared to 94 South

Africa. -- compared to nine four South Africa.

JP Pietersen is into space... Green shirts crash in, Fourie Du Preez

looks for options. The referee says fine and can JP

Pietersen make his way through? South Africa now have options out

wide. But a good rushing tackle by Sean Lamont. South Africa keep it

alive to that measure, good defence. Greig Laidlaw made the first tackle,

and then as the ball got me to the right, they kept it alive. Sean

Lamont was the one who made the tackle. Good decision by Sean Lamont

there to come out. Bakkies Botha keeps it going but there are a lot

of big hits there. This week, their defence has been good, they were

good against Japan. That is good for a coach to see because it shows you

a sign of the desire of commitment. Alistair Dickenson receiving

trimming, the tackling is taking its toll. Look at the attacking options

and experience that South Africa have. Sean Lamont is the only person

in the Scotland side to score more than three tries. Look at the stats

there. You look at 23 minutes, still just

the one try. Another big statistic is 56 times to only eight that South

Africa have carried the ball. He would not expect them to string any

more than a couple of phases together from here. A free kick to

Scotland this time. Jerome Garces is explaining himself.

23 minutes into a game when you are in this predicament, you need to get

your hands on the ball and feel to get into the game. Rather than let

the opposition dictating. If you are defending against a team like this,

you will tire quicker. Here is an opportunity. Officials are penalty I

think they should kick to line. Keep possession for a few seconds,

possession is more important. Fourie Du Preez times is tackle

well. -- timed his tackle. They cannot get the settled period

on the ball they are looking for. Again, the space was there on the

outside, Jackson relied that and executed his kit for the second time

in the match perfectly for the outside backs. It is the line speed

of South Africa that caught Scotland out. Looking for a runner because

the South African defenders on their so quick. Look at this, buying, in

under the elbows and knocks him backwards. -- bang.

The crowd is starting to sing again. Good tackle by Richie Gray

and Nick De Luca but there might still be a chance for the green

shirts. Scotland have the penalty and in one area they are starting

strongly, it is in defence because it has to be good. You can see the

emotion, what it means to Jim Hamilton because South Africa will

come again and again, thundering at the line. The physicality and they

want to take you on that Scotland have much that and you can see

Richie Gray suffering. Some of those big hits... I think he is OK.

Ruaridh Jackson has played pretty well from touch. Good tackle. The

big man are running at you hard, you cannot afford to absorb, you have to

get the shoulder on and knocks him backwards and they did it extremely

well. The men who have made the most tackles in this game.

There are now cries of, Scotland, Scotland!

Interception gives Willie le Roux Detroit. -- gives him the try.

Scotland tried to shift the ball. Against South

Scotland tried to shift the ball. pressure at the key moment. There

are players to spare outside Willie le Roux. From there on in, he found

his way to the try-line. There was no doubt anyone was going to catch

him, was he put the hammer down. Fresh rating for Jackson. --

frustrating. He is delighted. We thought they might get a second

try with all the pressure they had. We did not expect it would be in

that fashion. It just comes off Sean Maitland's shoulder, I think.

Watched by the South African coaching team.

Petersons scores. What a try from South Africa. -- JP Pieterson

scores. Genius from le Roux. He hit the accelerator. I thought he had

kicked to a early. Lambie on the inside. But JP Pieterson spotted him

out there. The bounce was perfect and there they go. It is a sucker

punch. There was a great shot of air of his

awareness. You saw him look across, spotted where the space was, then he

had to execute off the left foot and time it purposefully. Good special

awareness of who was around and what to do in that situation. The crowd

was starting to get behind Scotland again. They turned over a try. His

50th cap, JP Pieterson. All converted. 21 points. That is

the progressive nature. These are the finishing touches of the

kick-off. In the past South Africa would take the ball of a kick-off.

They showed willingness to run with the ball. Could the opposition

unawares. -- caught the opposition unawares.

What do you do, Chris, in this situation, when you are up against

it pushed Mark are you talking to each other all the time? You have

to. You learn from what has gone. Getting it there is the most

important thing, although the spaces on the outside are important. It

starts by winning your set piece. A penalty to Scotland. The pitches

grumbling all the time. That is JP Pieterson who has come in and made

that tackle. He has come from the outside about 20 metres in, directly

into make that tackle. What they will rely on Ben for Willie le Roux

to go around and take the last defender. So they are saying, if you

want to get it there, you need to get it back quickly.

So there is space out wide, it is just a matter of trying to find it.

They will come back for that knock-on. April end result but at

least it is a Scotland of Scotland regaining possession time and time

again, trying to wear out the South Africans. -- it is an example of

Scotland regaining possession. It is now -- it is Mallard, the

tight head who was receiving treatment. -- Malherbe. We are going

to have a change. Oosthuizen waiting to come on.

From this position, what Scotland will want to do is forced South

Africa's scrum to the outside. Force it a cross over to load so that they

can spin it across and strict the kicking options for South Africa and

get another opportunity to launch just prior to half-time.

A penalty coming to Scotland. Advantage.

I think it will be a pop-in to the corner. And a chat for de Villiers.

So Jackson is going to pop it into the corner.

I would like to see Scotland go straight off the top.

You hear the thump of body on body. You could hear that. We both

cringed. You could hear the smack of the contact. Well defended by South

Africa. Vermeulen and Oosthuizen just off

the bench, putting in big tackles. This is as close as they have been

to a South African try-line. Looking for stability. That is what Jerome

Garces says. Looking for a slight giveaway but it

only ends the half. The referee blows his whistle. Three tries

converted. South Africa looking very strong in that first half. Very

strong. They have some attacking players. One of them is this guy

here. Three good tries for South Africa. They lead 21-0 at half-time.

One statistic above all others tells you everything. It was 35 minutes

and six seconds before Scotland got into the Springbok 22. Albers scored

first, le Roux got the second try, lumpy converted that. With a lovely

take for JP Pieterson on his 50th appearance, that was it against a

very blue November sky. You only have to look at all those

figures, mind you mentally one-sided every single way. What can you say?

I am a bit shell-shocked. A disappointing 45 minutes. No

redeeming feature in that first half for Scotland. At times their defence

was gutsy but it has to be. When you have no possession and note get out

as well because the line-outs, a strength for Scotland, in the last

few years, fell to pieces. It has been like watching a heavyweight

fighting a middleweight. It has been. The South Africans are big,

physical men and they really bring it to Scotland. We need to pick

ourselves back up for the second half. I think it was three minutes

and I ten seconds before the whistle went, and there was an inevitability

about South Africa scoring. Then it came to line-out and you know what

you will get from South Africa, they will drive it early on that they

move the target there and we will see it from behind when we show it

now, Scotland know they have to stop the ball so when it goes in here,

there is Scotland's drive. Six of the pack are driving forward and

South Africa should the target and bring it round the side so there is

no Scottish defence and then there is no way that the two defenders can

cover it. It was meticulously planned and thrown and executed

which is what happened. In marked contrast to what Scotland have done.

You are probably not the rest two people to speak to about this but

when a line-out is going so catastrophically arrive, is the

responsibility in the jumper, the support players, the thrower? It is

a combination of both. Timing in the throwing. You also have to give

credit to South Africa, they will have done their homework about where

the will go. They are very strong reading key positions. South Africa

are competing for every single one that Scotland should still be

winning these line-outs. When you are under pressure and this happens,

Scotland have no respite. You have got the chance to get the ball and

keep it. That is it, take the pace out of the game. They were not able

to do that at all. Of us your assessment of Willie Le Roux, lots

of people at home may not have seen lots of him. He has been really

good, playing well, here's a basic and quick. -- he is evasive.

Scotland need to shut these boys down. We can't afford to let them in

the game. He is running the length of the pitch. I am not sure what

Sean Maitland is doing there. There was some good play there. They have

good numbers and if they just... There is no communication. It is

just a foot race them. You have got a comparison between two begins

yesterday, the all Blacks got control of England early on but

England ground their way back into the game and eventually took the

lead and the Argentina game against Wales, Argentina were forcing the

game where they did not need to and they almost dug their own grave. So

when you have got the ball, you need to hang onto it. Especially after

absorbing so much pressure. After 25 minutes they were only 7-0 down. It

was easy for them to keep going but they forced it and then it was

back-to-back tries. Suddenly, 7-0 not bad becomes 21-0. Look at the

distance between Duncan Taylor and Alasdair Dickinson, 11 metres, any

player will run through that especially a good player who comes

through, he has gone right the way through. A good start there and he

puts in a good chip. JP Pietersen has got all the pace. And it answers

up into his hand and a great score their poor South Africa. Is this an

example... We are used to the beef of South Africa but this is what

Heyneke Meyer has brought to it, a bit of light? Yes, as a fullback,

you would love to get a ball in your own 22 without a model space in

front of you. That is exactly what you are after. -- with that amount

of space in front of you. I am disappointed it is going to this.

The atmosphere before the game began with the Tornado flying over for the

Typhoon flying over and the guns and a great buzz in the stadium, and

they are sure the South Africans talked about this, if you can

quieten a crowd and really quell them, that early... It went from

AC/DC to the carpenters in the blink of an eye! I do not know how to

respond, we do not no movie carpenters are! What about Ellie

Goulding? I was at Twickenham yesterday and it takes the

excitement out of it. Scotland have got nothing... The crowd at

Murrayfield have had nothing to cheer about. Most shut with our

commentators, Chris, difficult for you because you have got to remain

impartial and objective but there must have been times when you were

going" my lord, what is happening now?" It is frustrating as a

Scottish supporter. But it gives opportunities to South Africa when

you lose the line-out. In the studio, the South Africans have

changed it to adding an edge. So often they have come second best to

the all Blacks, and know-how well be all Blacks scored tries. And we have

seen this now, the changes in personnel, the way that South Africa

have played and added that guile to the physical aspect of their game.

It has been hard for Scotland but there are 40 minutes to go, 21-0,

Scotland need to get going. When you look at the Springbok bench, they

can bring an Ruan Pienaar, even estimate -- Eben Etzebeth... They

can add impact and impetus so it is frightening for Scotland. What they

need to do is try to restrict the amount of rucks. Let's open the game

up. Let's try something different that South Africa are not expecting

and unsettled if we can. Two more weekends in this autumn

international campaign the little finishes with Wales versus Australia

but this is what we have for you next weekend.

Two years out from the next World Cup, reflections on 110 years ago,

Clive Woodward's World Cup, with the video recorder going through

England's obituary in Australia ten years ago and analysing where it

went right and wrong -- England's victory in Australia.

Duncan Hodge just stepped out of the dressing room, what were the key

messages in there? Set pieces, we need to get some face of the ball.

We turned it over at key times, some good bits of play and a silly

mistake cost us and then we are defending again. Is there a sense of

you being able to get back into this game? We need to get the ball and

keep it, get the basics right, we cannot lose it to the team like

South Africa. We will let you get. Was into-macro we had an interview

with Joost Van Der Westhuizen and the response has been overwhelming.

Joost has got motor neurone disease and was presented to the crowd just

a few moments ago here. We will not read a litany of messages that you

have sent but a couple I will mention, "Leipzig rule-based, seeing

Joost Van Der Westhuizen was a truly sobering experience -- life is a

cruel beast. Immensely sad but what an incredible man" and his

foundation is the J9 foundation. A great rugby player. A minute or so

in the changing room, you are the Scotland team, what are you saying?

Duncan Hodge was saying it there, Scotland need to make this about...

A South Africa score some points, Scotland need to do so. It is a

really demoralising depressing thing and if Scotland can play game and

get some possession and play the way they want to play and get some tries

and just get some respectability back... With the bench like they

have talked about, a South African side that are boiled, this could get

ugly. Give us a couple of players for whom this is a really key 40

minutes. For me, I would like to see the back three get on board whenever

possible. And show they are attacking threat. We need to get

hold of the ball and take it to them. 30 players... We have not got

a referee at the moment. While we wait for the officials, you can

contact us through all the normal ways, Twitter, e-mail, Facebook.

You can tell us about other games, anything you want to say including

Ireland's disappointing performance. We join our commentary team.

COMMENTATOR: No changes to either side. 40 minutes to come. Three

tries all converted for South Africa. Some harsh words from Scott

Johnson and the players themselves to each other. They must respond

here. Give the crowd something to respond to as well.

A little bit of opportunity and space out wide for Scotland.

Berkeley try to put it out wide but in doing so, a penalty to the

Springboks. Just a hint of what might be available out wide.

Certainly, that is what they have been trying to do for the whole game

but a very good scramble defence from South Africa. Trying to put

pressure on the space. Scotland need to recognise they need to get the

numbers to the break down and then turned that into it to get the

advantage ball. They are going to be short set up.

They usually do a spin off this. Scotland have the penalty.

REFEREE: The first man, you stay on your feet. A wink and a smile from

big Jim Hamilton. More of the same from South Africa, very similar to

the first half. The Scottish defence holding firm. Jim Hamilton getting

his or the over the ball and winning a penalty. It only takes one player.

It was Ross Ford hit Ryan have banner earlier on, driving backwards

and then -- Bryan Habana. But then led to this turnover. There is

Hamilton there. On his feet over the ball. And when is the penalty. There

is the big hit from Ross Ford and Berkeley getting in on the act.

Interesting to see Bryan Habana coming round the side. He is such a

dangerous runner. The sign of a good winger. The fact that you want to go

looking for it, he is hungry. A powerful runner as well. He's 30

now, is playing just about as well as he ever did. He is in the form of

his life. There is steady rain coming down. It

is not too heavy but it is persistent.

Just before that knock-on, the South African defence did not come

forward. Normally they are brushing up. Jackson had a lot of time there.

Unfortunate to knock the ball on when you are not under a huge amount

of pressure. A thump on De Luca. Jackson and De

Luca did not really do anything wrong there. It was just a good

shoulder from Vermeulen. Not a lot you can do about that when somebody

defensively makes a very good heat. -- hit. Some hefty men in there,

running around a lot. You have to do a lot of avoiding when you are

playing South Africa. We saw the shot of JP Pieterson just

standing right on the touchline. Ultimately, you have to give the

space on the outside. It is much harder to cover a break that comes

through the midfield of a defensive line than outside. Here they did it

very well, covering that cross kick from Fourie.

Some big players are missing in the backline for Scotland. They are all

hunched in the midfield, South Africa. -- bunched.

A fresh air shot there from him as he tried to get it downfield. Some

of them will try anything to do with kicking the ball. Check this out.

Brilliant. If you are ever buying a game of football for warming up for

training the props are always doing that.

Bit of a shame, but look at this catch. That was perfectly timed. He

was always trying to catch up with the ball. He had to have the hammer

and took it well in difficult conditions. Sean does not have the

strongest kicking game in the world that he is a strong runner and can

break tackles. Scotland were on the fringes of the

South African 22 and all the way back in the shadow of their own

post. Tommy Seymour shows a really good turn of pace to get back.

Scotland are building really well but they need to just force the

pass. The try is given. Deja vu. Another

try for South Africa. We will see what might have caused

that. Adriaan Strauss is being told to step back. Jim Hamilton is being

summoned. Similarly, in the match against South Africa in the

summer... It is not the first time, is it? It was something very

similar. He pushed his hand in his face. REFEREE: After the try, I blew

my whistle, OK? COMMENTATOR: That is fine. We move

on. Yellow Mac what he want to do is

rush and get nice and low early but you can see they all go to the

right-hand side. Just that one missing for Pat lumpy,

but four tries, all of which have been converted. Scotland about to

make changes. This was Oosthuizen. Teamwork binding together. It will

be interesting to see what gametime did South Africa have the possession

before they scored. Duncan Taylor is on for Jackson, for

Scotland. Etzebeth is waiting, looking in the

wings. He's going to come on now for South Africa. Meanwhile, Bismarck

warms up alongside Jonny Gray. You do not often see that, warming up

together. Greig Laidlaw stood up well in that

challenge. Scotland are making slow but steady

progress. The referee says they get the

advantage again. Penalty advantage. The knock-on but they will come back

for that penalty. South Africa have made good decisions about whether to

go for the ball or stay back and fill in the defensive line. They

have had that possession. 63% in the second half. They are just not

getting a quick enough ball. Bakkies Botha is going. His replacement is a

good player. But Bakkies Botha has played well. Bismarck Du Plessis is

waiting to come on as well. The change has not happened yet. Adriaan

Strauss is still on there now. Tendai Mtawarira is on in the front

row. Another Scottish advantage. Giving

up a few penalties now, South Africa. Scotland will take the

line-out again. But into touch. It is better from Scotland, you can

certainly say that. The scoreline does not lie though. Bismarck will

now sail on to the pitch. He will make a huge impact. He almost plays

like an extra back row player. He is quick and powerful. I was pitch side

before the match and he rumbled past me, he is quite a specimen. His

brother has got a shoulder injury at the moment. You specimen to! -- you

are also a specimen. Scotland as close as they have been

to the South African line. Always a bit of a buzz when Richie

Gray gets the ball. But this time South Africa holding onto the ball

in the tackle. The minute they took the contact, the speed that the two

South African players get over the ball, down he goes, two of them were

both on their feet, both supporting each other, not a single Scottish

player could do anything about it. Meanwhile, his brother Jonny Gray is

warming up and about to make his first appearance. The 19-year-old,

this is going to be his first cap. He is coming on for Richie Gray. He

is thanking his brother. A great moment for Jonny Gray and we hope he

has a great future for Scotland. Richie Gray knows that he has had a

hard day. Denton just got to do Billy is. He

was almost three. -- almost got to De Villiers.

Good turnover from David Denton. He brought the first tackle, look at

the speed he gets up. A basic handling error. That allowed

South Africa to get back into position. It is impressive that the

way the loose forwards for South Africa play. The pass for Francois

Louw was like he was a first receiver. They can punch onto it and

ten metres over the advantage line just from a set piece. The passing

and timing accurate. They move and floated the ball really well. That

is very challenging. The ball bounces for Maitland and he

decides to kick which gives Lambie plenty of time.

De Villiers knew that was coming with the interception. He saw it,

and said this pass is coming my way, he just had to take it. The right

decision to counterattack from Duncan Weir. At this point, you wish

you could pull it back into your own hands. The other Scottish players

drop their heads because they knew the past had gone to hand and they

were in their all went oh, no! Please! The picture is great though,

they had sinking and Berkeley howling at his other players. Max

Evans is out now. Tommy Seymour is off, and Ruan Pienaar coming off the

South African bench. The man has been in Ulster for some time. It is

a strong squad. What you really need now is the ability in the modern

game to bring players on and add an impact and that are not just try to

find their feet. These South African players are just increasing their

game, bringing it on. Good kick, came from a stable scrum.

A lovely boot there. 15 minutes to go, four tries all

converted, the difference between the two sides.

Taken by Johnny Beattie. A roar in the crowd.

They are looking for width and they are only getting interceptions.

This is as close as Scotland have been.

A long advantage being played by the referee. Some noise from the crowd,

they just want something, some tried to take from this rather dark

evening. It goes into touch again. South Africa have been tested here

defensively but the scoreline shows you how much pride they have got

there in their own line. A good test for these guys who are keeping their

shape and the physicality, getting over the ball.

Can Scotland works from the line-out as South Africa have done twice?

Is grown here, it may be a South African ball but a scrum is not

secure here in this condition -- a scrum here.

You talk about the basics being done well, South Africa trying that

simple move twice and scoring twice. It is unfortunate that as Jonny Gray

brought the ball down, it has not fallen for him.

50,000 people in, watching this game today. The scrum is pretty solid

from both sides. Scotland will have the line-out.

Still deep inside the Springbok 22. South Africa are perfectionists and

that is why we C Heyneke Meyer shaking his head. Scotland have

lifted their game, no doubt about this, but it is difficult in these

conditions, the pitch is unstable, the rain continues to come down. We

talk about players who have been out for some time, with Bakkies Botha,

and Chris Cusiter comes an, the first go for Scotland since they

played Samoa 18 months ago. Greig Laidlaw is off. All sorts of

problems with shoulder injuries. It will be interesting to see if

either side has anything left to give in this game.

A spell by Duncan Weir but I think he was going for the high tackle. I

think he was going for the card. Not be high tackle but a penalty

nonetheless. A yellow card. Understandable, the fourth or fifth

penalty on the bounce so the referee got fed up. Earlier on, he had a

word with Jean De Villiers to say it was the third time. I thought this

was a high tackle as well but it was for not rolling away. Ten minutes to

go in this match. South Africa will be down to 14 men for the remainder.

Another change, JJ Engelbrecht is coming on for the Jean De Villiers.

I would love to see Scotland go to the backline here. Get Lamont into

the game. A penalty this time to South Africa.

Holding onto the bottom of the tackle, is the decision. They are

trying to have a chat. I thought he was marching them back another 10m.

Week talked of the impact that Bismarck made. He is so strong in

that position. Tackles missed are fairly even in

this match. A statistic which does not tell you the whole story.

South Africa play France next Saturday, Scotland against

Australia. Scotland with the penalty. For using

a hand in the ruck, South Africa. He doesn't quite get the big

touchline, Duncan Weir. Habana's loud complaints are not

being heard. A very, very impressive covering

tackle from Pieterson. Scotland find the space very well

here. Denton puts the hand out there and underneath goes Pieterson.

Smashes him into touch. You understand why that was a great

tackle. Scott Johnson has gone into sort of

stasis. He will be happy with the second-half performance in many

ways. They have been reasonably threatening but they have not got

any points on the board. Disappointing.

Just probably haven't quite worked out offensively how to deal with

this South African out defence. It just takes some time to figure out

how to break that apart and they will be much better for it. With the

experience of being in this situation. If a defender flies out

of the line on his own you attack him as the ball carrier. There is

injury treatment being given to one of the South African players. Man of

the match time? Le Roux has been outstanding. He scored a try.

Pieterson's tribe was phenomenal. He is man of the match. He does not

know it but he has been chosen as man of the match. Trying to work out

again who the injured man on the far side is. There is a summary of what

Willie le Roux has done in this match. He's heating space, attacking

space. He set up the try between Dickinson and Taylor. He's running

in the space. It is a South African player and we

just cannot quite seem. I was going to say, is it Bismarck rushed out

but then I have seen Bismarck on his beat so it is not him. But Mac this

is the first try, which came early on from a line-out. Then you could

see Willie le Roux swooped on it, bumble passed from Scotland and then

he got himself into the game again. Yes, these are the big things that

stand out. The second driving line-out try from South Africa is

very similar to the first one. Willie le Roux, to me he has

controlled the game. It has been difficult circumstances. He has

probably helped that man, Patrick Lambie, and quite often as well.

It looks like a serious injury but sometimes these things look more

serious because of all the precautions. Jim Hamilton comes in

just to clear out. You can see just by the way that his

head snapped back a little bit. Sometimes the jolt... When you are

in a position like that sometimes, you are very tense and when you get

hit like that, it can hurt. That that was fine from Jim Hamilton,

what he was doing there. Nothing illegal about it whatsoever, it is

just the unfortunate contact of shoulder on other hip area.

What they do in these situations sometimes looks more serious.

Absolutely precautionary. He is moving all his digits. But to me

looks like he has taken a head start early October, with that facial

hair. I have never seen him with any facial hair. Concerning scenes for

Francois Louw. Just one try in the second half, that line-out but we

saw. I think Scott Johnson will be certainly a little bit happier. Not

overly delighted. A famous face. Judy Murray. A fetching coat. And

Scott Johnson in the less happy box. He is a fascinating character. He is

always very interesting and engaging, entertaining to listen to.

He is stepping upstairs to become director of rugby when the Carter

comes in. Do you know much of his work aftermarket yes, I spent some

time with the Crusaders. That are a combination of pressure and there

are some fundamental ones there as well. There are some really

inexcusable ones. They must be really frustrating for Scott Johnson

when those once happened. Yes, and it gives you an idea of the reasons

why Scotland are still on zero points. Just to digress, he knows

the game very well, Vern Cotter. Scott Johnson is a good thinker and

an intelligent coat in the modern game. There is plenty to work with

from what I have seen. -- and intelligent coach. In this long

injury break, let's get the thoughts of Andy Nicol. It is not nice seeing

any player going off. Scotland's second-half has got a lot better.

After half time it could not get much worse. I have been really

impressed with South Africa. Their defence has played the game so

strong. Any time Scotland has the ball in the second half, as soon as

the player went to the ground, there were two South Africans in on the

ball very quickly. You have to be very technically good as the

attacking side to clear those defenders again. It has been an

abject lesson on how to play defensively. Scotland have been

second best in so many areas of the game today. At 21-0 it could have

got really ugly. It has not got as bad as it could have. It is bad not

to score in your home ground. All of these fans have turned out to day

hoping to see an exciting game. It has been a tough day for Scotland.

Most importantly, of course, they wish loud all the best. -- they wish

Francois Louw all the best. They will have to make another change for

Francois Louw. Five minutes to go. Scotland stole it, so there line-out

has improved, but the slap back from Hamilton went out. The big thumbs up

from Francois Louw, just to let everyone know he is going to be OK,

which is brilliant to see. Every time they move, they go a

little bit deeper. The chase is on and Evans cannot

quite get there, or did he? Bryan Habana shakes his giant moustache

and says no. Half-hearted celebrations from the Scottish

players I think. It look like the ball court him there.

We will see what the decision is. The TMO is Marshall Kilgore.

A couple of hands on that and at least one of them was that of Bryan

Habana. I don't think anybody has got

control of it, even if Evans got there first, he did not have enough

downward pressure on it to say that it would be a try. Initial contact

with the ball is probably before the line as well so it is a knock-on or

is it a carry on? Possibly carried back by Bryan Habana. Yes, you would

think so. Pushed back by Bryan Habana so it should be a five

metres,. Nice kick from Duncan Weir. Difficult conditions even if Bryan

Habana is there to cover, you can see how difficult it is. Something

to keep the interest going in the final couple of minutes, this is

what he saw was on, he does well, Habana. He does. He gets the inside

track, the ball sits favourably for him. Just as the ball sat up there,

Evans was almost stopping himself. Looking at the injuries, there are

only 14 players on the field, and if that is the case, Bryan Habana has

done even better than we think. If you drop a player through injury, he

is covering for two really in the back row.

Is a long decision by Marshall Kilgore but looks like it was

technically carried over by Habana. It was the decision: REFEREE: The

ball was knocked on. It is no try.

The ball was knocked on. By green. It is a Scrum V. Scrum V. For green

for blue? For blue. We got there! I could have said that ten minutes

ago. The blue is for no try but they will accept a scrum here and Bryan

Habana disagrees not sure he saw that.

They have got it right though, from what we have seen. They didn't get

it quite right, sorry. It is a green ball, it should be a blue ball. This

is a big decision. They have given the ball back. This is getting

comical. Blue ball, OK. Crazy days at Murrayfield. Almost three minutes

to go. I believe it is still Sunday that I

am not sure. Habana hasn't got the foggiest, he

is just twirling his moustache. Secure turf... They are set very

deep here, so you think it will be laying to their game and properly

parse it out the back. Possibly to Nick De Luca.

On comes the chase. But Willie Le Roux gets there.

Well covered, sharp as ever. Big in all areas here at Murrayfield. --

big in-goal areas. Two more remaining minutes. Very few points

in the second half, just the one try for South Africa.

70% position for Scotland in the second half. -- possession.

It is all about what you do with it will . The conditions have got worse

as well which dictate what you can do with that.

It is the unforced errors and the knock-ons which have really affect

Scotland. He becomes the beast again. -- here

comes the beast. They might be trying just to see the

clock out. That is enough, says the referee.

South Africa, easy enough winners. Just the one try in the second half

so some encouraging signs for Scotland to take on but South

Africa, in good shape as they go on to face France. A very clinical

display, particularly in the first-half and good tenacious effort

in the second by Scotland. They could not quite get across the line

to get any points on the board that they will be encouraged more than

the first half by what they achieved in the second. They have not had a

great record here at Murrayfield, but the South Africans were always

way out here in front. Four tries, three of them in the first half.

Africa, an emphatic victory, 28 points to none.

JOHN INVERDALE: With the long debate about whether Max Evans's tried was

scored, all are meant trouble to a rather unsatisfactory conclusion

from a Scottish perspective, the thing about what you take positively

from a 28-0 defeat, not many seems to be the Ansa. If they look back at

the video analysis, there will not be many things they did well. They

dug deep in the second but that the minimum you would expect. They have

some ball but they did not do much with it. But you have to give credit

to South Africa's defence. Scotland through a look at South Africa and

they absorbed it all stop what we saw today was the second best team

in the world and they proved that today with a very good performance.

When it is your 50th cap, you want to celebrate with a trike and that

is what JP Pietersen has done. -- with a try.

We have just heard John Inverdale celebrating the 50th cap there, it

it must be amazing. It is amazing achievement and it is very special

at Murrayfield. A good all-round performance, the scoreline tells the

story here, 28-0. A complete performance from South Africa. Who

wanted to step up this weekend and the team did -- we wanted to. An

element of frustration that you were not able to do more in the second

half? What opportunities we got, we took them with both hands. The man

half? What opportunities we got, we sitting up your try, we will

judged to be man of the match here. And you crossed the whitewash

yourself. Let's talk about your try. And you crossed the whitewash

hands and I was fortunate to be there at that moment and I could

score the try. JP Pietersen, a great and to finish off the try, where you

aware of him? I saw him outside wide and I thought I would try the chip

and luckily it worked out. and I thought I would try the chip

is all about testing out different formations and seeing who

is all about testing out different part of the squad in two years time.

Chance for you to step part of the squad in two years time.

fullback. The trial is every week that you play so you have to

fullback. The trial is every week every game as if it is your last.

fullback. The trial is every week Enjoy the game, thank you very much.

JOHN INVERDALE: The second half, a solitary score and a repetition of

what happened in the first half. Incredible that Scotland did not

learn from the first half. A carbon copy of the second half with this.

Scotland are driving forward, and all South Africa needed to do was

drive the attack round the front of the line and it was an easy drive.

This is the first half. Scotland knew what they were doing in the

first-half and this is the second half. Right at the start, it goes to

the middle, Scotland drive forward, all South Africa do is move it

around the front and then it was a well worked score by Coenie

Oosthuizen. For all the possession Scotland had, trying to push it

passed one too many, dropping the ball, and so on. How frustrating was

it for you to watch this and thinking that was another chance

going begging as Mike it is a lot different for me watching the boys

playing. Lots of errors there. You can see the errors on the highlights

but you have got to try and play. You get moments like this when

Scotland have numerical advantage and they just... Sean Lamont goes

right across the board. That is where you chase the game and do

silly things like that Sean Lamont would never do things like that. But

he does it there. Also the frustration for the players,

wherever there seems to be the door being half open, the Springboks

close it. Their defence is extraordinary. It is but that was a

horror show of errors. There was a lot of unforced error there and that

is disappointing. You talk about physicality, a number eight would

get the ball in the past and would swat a scrum-half, and these days it

is almost the other way round. Look at this, JP Pietersen and Benton and

that is a big hit. Great timing, you get into this position a lot.

Technically brilliant, a great tackle there. Giving him a bit of a

pat on the head but that is a spot on tackle there. A try saving tackle

as well. Looking at this weekend in the round, everything that has

happened over the past 48 hours, what does it tell us about the seven

hemisphere and the Northern Hemisphere -- the southern

hemisphere? New Zealand and South Africa, the two best teams in the

world. South Africa were a different class to Scotland today.

Defensively, you can see why they are the second best team in the

world because the second half when Scotland have better possession,

they absorbed it and they were really strong. Is there a

psychological element? When you walk out onto the field and you know you

are playing the All Blacks and the Springboks, are you even just

fractionally on the back foot? I think you are but these are the

games that the boys tend to be up for. When you are playing in gets

the best, it is time to challenge yourself. They will not be

disappointed with a where they wanted up and it is time to move

forward. Was it always going to be like this? Scotland have an issue

with the All Blacks, they have never beaten them, drawn them twice but

against Australia and South Africa, they have had success here I doubt

that any of the Scotland players will be coming away from this

expecting to lose, I think they thought there was a chance. But when

you put in a better performance like that, there is no chance. What do

Scotland do for next week against Australia? That is a different

challenge. It is difficult. Australia looked good last night.

And they are playing good rugby but South Africa were so good today

offensively and defensively. Next week, I think it will be different

for Scotland. They will have to keep the ball will stop get it and keep

it. In terms of what we have seen over the last 48 hours, when you

watched Australia it yesterday and this ring box today, -- the

Springboks today, what is your take? They can take on the defences and

get through them. It is frustrating to watch but the boys will pick

themselves back up and have another challenge next week. Thank you very

much. I will see you at Wales versus Tonga next week and throughout next

weekend.