The Springboks defeated Scotland 34 points to 16 in their Rugby World Cup clash at St James Park in Newcastle.
Springboks Defeat Scotland At Rugby World Cup
South Africa – Tries: Bismarck du Plessis, JP Pietersen and Bryan Habana; Conversions: Handre Pollard 2; Penalties: Handre Pollard 4 Drop-goal: Handre Pollard
Scotland – Try: Tommy Seymour; Conversion: Greig Laidlaw; Penalties: Greig Laidlaw 3
This result puts them on top of Pool B of the Rugby World Cup and if they avoid defeat against the USA on Wednesday they are certain to top the pool, a result which was not guaranteed two short weeks ago.
Lock Lood de Jager was deservedly named Man of the Match for his strong lineout work and impressive ball carrying and agressive defence.
The first Springbok try came after multiple phases on the Scottish line, played under a long advantage for offside. Schalk Burger crashed over next to the poles, but was unable to dot the ball down and it was up to Bismarck du Plessis to wrestle the ball down.
The Springboks were reduced to 14 men after Jannie du Plessis was yellow carded for a shoulder charge into a ruck, a call that was probably a little marginal as it did appear that he was going at the ball and was bound with one arm, but what did count against him was that his shoulder was very close to a Scottish player’s head. The Springboks second try came after the Springboks made an inspired call to drive a shortened lineout from fifteen meters out. It took a superbly timed and weighted pass by Fourie du Preez to see JP Pietersen to dive over untouched. Two Handre Pollard penalties saw one in reply by Greig Laidlaw and at half time the score was 20 to 3 to South Africa. Bryan Habana was superb on defence in the first half, rushing up on numerous occasions to get between Scottish
In the second half, the Springboks were battering away at the Scottish line with a long period of patient phase play. When the ball was eventually passed out to the backline, Jessie Kriel tried to drift outside the defender as the ball was passed, allowing Duncan Weir to intercept and run 70 meters upfield and it was winger Tommy Seymour who dotted down for the try. This try made the Springboks reconsider their game plan and became a lot more cautious.
Handre Pollard replied with a drop goal a few minutes later, keeping the gap at ten points and forcing Scotland to chase the game.
Scotland lost their skipper, Greig Laidlaw, to a yellow card when he tackled Bryan Habana after he had already kicked the ball upfield and the chase was on for the tryline. Habana had the final say in the game in the 73rd minute when Fourie du Preez once again picked up the best placed runner with another superbly delivered pass. Habana still had some work to do, but fended off the defender and he was in for his 61st Test try.
The Springboks now have three days to regroup and prepare for their match against the USA at the Olympic Stadium in London. They are likely to make a number of changes to their squad for this game and their many be a Test debut for scrumhalf Rudi Paige.
The Springboks will need to work on their kicking game before they can expect any success in the play-off stages – a lot of possession was unecessarily kicked away via aimless up and unders. The Springboks were also guilty of some poor passing, including some awkward back of the hand passing that is not part of their usual game plan. Duane Vermeulen butchered a try when he attempted a back hand offload to Bryan Habana when the winger had a clear run in for a try. The pass went high above Habana’s flailing hands.
In all, a good win for the Spingboks, helping them to build some much needed momentum before the business end of the tournament starts.
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