Scotland produced another big performance against top-tier opposition but their wait for a first-ever win in South Africa continues after they went down 42-28 to the double reigning world champions in a thrilling Nations Championship showdown in Pretoria.
Having seen off England, France and Argentina in impressive fashion already this year, Gregor Townsend’s resurgent side made the Springboks fight to the end for their victory.
After roaring back from 14-0 down to level things up at half-time, the Scots were ultimately left to rue their inability to score while Ben-Jason Dixon was in the sin-bin early in the second half.
The Boks looked to have broken the visitors’ resolve when they ran in three tries in the space of 10 minutes either side of the hour mark but Scotland hit back again through Josh Bayliss and Ben White to close to within a converted try of their hosts, who eventually made sure of a hard-fought victory with a late breakaway try from Jesse Kriel.
Relive all the action from the Nations Championship clash with our live blog below:
South Africa vs Scotland LIVE
- South Africa beat Scotland 42-28 in Nations Championship thriller
- Springboks make it two wins from two after beating England last week but made to work hard
- 78' TRY! Kriel races in from halfway to finally seal a Springbok win [RSA 42-28 SCO]
- 71' TRY! White stretches out to dot down for another try [RSA 35-28 SCO]
- 68' TRY! Bayliss bursts clear for a third Scotland try [RSA 35-21 SCO]
- 67' TRY! Porthen burrows over from a metre out [RSA 35-14 SCO]
- 61' TRY! Willemse finishes off move for surging South Africans [RSA 28-14 SCO]
- 58' TRY! Louw crashes over from close range to put Springboks back on top [RSA 21-14 SCO]
- HALF-TIME! Sides locked at 14-14 after intriguing first half
Valiant Scotland give Springboks huge scare but fall just short in instant classic
20:19 , Luke Baker
Scotland produced another big performance against top-tier opposition but their wait for a first-ever win in South Africa continues after they went down 42-28 to the double reigning world champions in a thrilling Nations Championship showdown in Pretoria.
Having seen off England, France and Argentina in impressive fashion already this year, Gregor Townsend’s resurgent side made the Springboks fight to the end for their victory.
After roaring back from 14-0 down to level things up at half-time, the Scots were ultimately left to rue their inability to score while Ben-Jason Dixon was in the sin-bin early in the second half.
The Boks looked to have broken the visitors’ resolve when they ran in three tries in the space of 10 minutes either side of the hour mark.
But Scotland hit back again through Josh Bayliss and Ben White to close to within a converted try of their hosts, who eventually made sure of a hard-fought victory with a late breakaway try from Jesse Kriel.
Read the full report:
Valiant Scotland give Springboks huge scare but fall just short in instant classic
Scotland 'need to be better for 80 minutes', says Townsend
19:31 , Luke Baker
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has also spoken to ITV after the match and admits his side need to be better for a full 80 minutes to beat a side like the Springboks.
“We’re really frustrated we didn't get more points on the board in the first half and that period when the Boks go down to 14 men,” said Townsend.
“I’m massively proud of the effort we put in, but it wasn’t to be today. It's a learning for us, we’ve got to be better for 80 minutes.
“There’s a lot more in us, and with the amount of opportunities the players created today through work skill and intelligence, we’ve got to take more to beat the world champions.
“We don’t get to play South Africa very often, we don’t get to play them here, so that’ll be the feeling tonight. Today was another step forward.”
"Today was another step forward" 💪
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 11, 2026
Head coach Gregor Townsend shares his thoughts on a fantastic game of rugby in Pretoria 🎙️#NationsChampionship pic.twitter.com/Nmm4a86VgV
South Africa beat Scotland
19:15 , Luke Baker
A remarkable Test match and an incredible win for the Springboks
The game concludes, and what a terrific match 👏
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 11, 2026
A non-stop thriller, but it's South Africa who come out on top yet again. Credit to Scotland; it was one hell of a shift 🤝
FT: 🇿🇦 42-28 🏴#NationsChampionship pic.twitter.com/QpTMq0p7RI
Sione Tuipulotu reflects on defeat
18:57 , Luke Baker
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu has spoken to ITV after the defeat.
“I’m disappointed to lose,” admitted Tuipulotu. “We were able to battle back but I thought the period after half-time hurt us a little bit. We had a lot of possession in their 22 and didn't capitalise.
“But credit to them, they defended and scrambled well, like they always do. I'm very disappointed at the moment but I'm also proud of my group. I want us to keep our chins high.
“I thought we came out here and play a positive brand of rugby, played our brand of rugby, but it wasn't good enough today.”
On how they can turn it around: “Execution, I think. Execution when the pressure's high, when you're away from home. Little things like that.
“Like I said, the period after half-time hurt a little bit but we managed to wrestle back momentum and get back into it but it wasn't enough. They showed a little bit better execution at the back-end of the game and got the result.
“It’s been a lot of travel the past couple of weeks and we need to rest up tonight before travelling well tomorrow because it’s going to be another physical test next week [against Fiji].”
WATCH: Springboks seal victory with Jesse Kriel try
18:48 , Luke Baker
Here’s how South Africa sealed victory with Jesse Kriel’s late try
World champions for a reason...👏
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 11, 2026
Class grubber from Pollard, and Jessie Kriel picks up and evades the tackle of Jordan to seal it for the Springboks 🇿🇦#NationsChampionship pic.twitter.com/GxxH3miGMu
FULL-TIME! South Africa 42-28 Scotland
18:42 , Luke Baker
Wow! What a Test match. An instant classic
FULL-TIME! South Africa 42-28 Scotland
18:35 , Luke Baker
There goes the final whistle! Scotland players fall to the turf exhausted. They gave everything and caused South Africa fits.
But the Springboks showed their class and their depth of talent, as they made 10 changes and still won a ding-dong Test match.
Scotland are a legitimate force these days but the Boks are the best in the world and prove it every single week
South Africa 42-28 Scotland, 79 mins
18:33 , Luke Baker
Williamson gets those long legs moving to thrust himself into the South African half. But Ben White spills the ball in contact.
That’s probably the end of the Scottish resistance but wow - what a game.
South Africa 42-28 Scotland, 79 mins
18:31 , Luke Baker
Scotland would love one final try to grab a losing bonus point that could be vital in this Nations Championship
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 42-28 Scotland (Jesse Kriel, 78 mins)
18:30 , Luke Baker
South Africa win a penalty so play with advantage. AND WHAT A TRY!
Pollard pokes a grubber kick through a gap, which Jesse Kriel collects just inside the Scotland half. He bounces off one tackle, swerves inside the last man and races clear to dot down under the posts.
They’ve been given an almighty scare but that should do it for the double reigning world champions
South Africa 35-28 Scotland, 77 mins
18:28 , Luke Baker
This is a mad match. Absolutely mad! And we’re in for one hell of a finale. Short pause while a Springbok receives treatment to stop the flow of blood
South Africa 35-28 Scotland, 76 mins
18:27 , Luke Baker
This might be Scotland’s chance as they earn the lineout in Springbok territory.
The South African defence holds initially but Tuipulotu charges through a gap, up towards the 22. Ah, a Russell pass somehow lands between two men and into touch.
South Africa 35-28 Scotland, 75 mins
18:26 , Luke Baker
The Springboks have a scrum deep in their own 22. It creaks and turns but South Africa get the ball.
Pollard bursts forward, through a tackle to buy a bit of breathing room
South Africa 35-28 Scotland, 73 mins
18:23 , Luke Baker
HERE COME SCOTLAND AGAIN! Bradbury keeps his legs churning. Cummings bursts forward as well.
Russell goes for the crossfield kick and Jordan reaches out but the ball just bounces forward off his hands when he may have scored!
South Africa survive, just...
TRY! South Africa 35-28 SCOTLAND (Ben White, 71 mins)
18:21 , Luke Baker
OH HELLO! Game right back on! Patience from Scotland as they go through the phases deep in the 22.
Mixing it up and eventually it’s Ben White who surges and reaches out for the line to dot down! They’re within one score as we head into the final 10 minutes!
South Africa 35-21 Scotland, 69 mins
18:20 , Luke Baker
What is happening?! Suddenly the South africa defence has fallen to pieces.
More huge gaps and Hiddleston surges forward, then Bayliss is involved again.
Scotland into the 22, offload out wide and within a couple of metres of the Bok line!
TRY! South Africa 35-21 SCOTLAND (Josh Bayliss, 68 mins)
18:19 , Luke Baker
Maybe there is! Out of nowhere, straight from kick-off, Scotland hit back.
A run up the middle, an offload and suddenly the Springbok defence just parts. Josh Bayliss shows the pace that has seen him play on the wing for Bath at times this season to surge clear and dot down.
Russell with the quick conversion and Scotland back within 14
South Africa 35-14 Scotland, 68 mins
18:17 , Luke Baker
Is there any way back for Scotland?
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 35-14 Scotland (Zach Porthen, 67 mins)
18:16 , Luke Baker
The purple wall tries to hold firm on the line but there’s no stopping that! Young tighthead prop Zach Porthen gets low and has the superior leverage to burrow his way over the line. Great power
Pollard stays perfect from the tee. Game, set and match now you feel.
South Africa 28-14 Scotland, 65 mins
18:15 , Luke Baker
The Springboks pressing again. A bit messy from the lineout but Pollard seizes on the loose ball and South Africa can then push right to the line with the big men...
WATCH: South Africa's second-half tries
18:14 , Luke Baker
Another quickfire double for the Springboks has given Scotland a huge mountain
It's been all Scotland this half, and yet the minute the Springboks sniff a chance, they take it. 😤
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 11, 2026
Try scored by Elrigh Louw, and South Africa go ahead 🇿🇦#NationsChampionship pic.twitter.com/MT43FjFwkW
It's starting to slip away now for Scotland...
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 11, 2026
Quick hands from the Springboks, and it's Damian Willemse who gets over for the try. 🇿🇦#NationsChampionship pic.twitter.com/nxOuEHEX88
South Africa 28-14 Scotland, 63 mins
18:12 , Luke Baker
Surely there’s no way back for Scotland this time? They’re probing here but the green wall holds firm
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 28-14 Scotland (Damian Willemse, 61 mins)
18:10 , Luke Baker
The Springboks back in complete control now. Scotland going backwards, every Bok carry making ground.
It ends with a lovely offload and Damian Willemse, who was so good against England last week, shows his power to force his way over the line.
South Africa 21-14 Scotland, 61 mins
18:08 , Luke Baker
South Africa stretching their legs now. Willemse bursts into the Scotland half to leave the visitors on the back foot. Their surging forward in numbers.
South Africa 21-14 Scotland, 60 mins
18:07 , Luke Baker
Can Scotland come again after that try? The Springboks are generally so good in the final 20 minutes
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 21-14 Scotland (Elrigh Louw, 58 mins)
18:06 , Luke Baker
Williams takes them close, then it’s raw power to get over the line. Elrigh Louw takes a run-up, crashes on to the pop pass and barrels through the centre of Ashman and Cummings to fall over the line.
Pollard slots the extras and the Springboks back on top
South Africa 14-14 Scotland, 57 mins
18:04 , Luke Baker
Both packs get a talking-to from the referee after a reset scrum. Scrum still goes down but both sides buckled, so no penalty - South Africa will have to play the ball without that cushion.
Dixon carries hard in the 22 and it’s then a series of one-up carries in the tight to edge towards the five-metre line.
Penalty coming for the Boks if they need it as well
South Africa 14-14 Scotland, 55 mins
18:02 , Luke Baker
The Boks have worked their way down the field and then Scotland drop the ball at the back of a post-lineout maul. Really poor handling from Ashman.
The Springboks are back up to their full complement of 15 players as Ben-Jason Dixon’s sin-bin ends, and they’ve got an attacking scrum on the 22
South Africa 14-14 Scotland, 52 mins
17:59 , Luke Baker
A messy scrum and the referee decides that Scotland, and Schoeman specifically, were at fault for not driving straight. Dare I suggest that penalty could have gone either way...
Schoeman certainly isn’t happy. Regardless, the Boks can clear their lines. Scotland then pinged near halfway for closing the gap at the lineout, giving South Africa a decent platform to build from.
South Africa 14-14 Scotland, 50 mins
17:56 , Luke Baker
Scotland bash to within a couple of metres of the line. They then probe left, come back right, Bayliss pops a pass to Dempsey but he can’t handle it and the ball is knocked on.
Reprieve for the Springboks but still danger with a five-metre scrum in their own territory
South Africa 14-14 Scotland, 48 mins
17:54 , Luke Baker
Scotland churn through the phases just inside the South African half. Steyn makes a few metres with one carry before Brown fronts up to bash through.
Ball spread wide right to Dobie who bursts into the 22. Was that pass forward?
South Africa 14-14 Scotland, 47 mins
17:52 , Luke Baker
Dixon’s sin-binning stays as a yellow card so he’ll be back on the pitch in five minutes’ time or so.
Ethan Hooker has also gone off for a HIA. Scotland take care of business from the lineout on their own 22 and clear their lines.
South Africa 14-14 Scotland, 46 mins
17:50 , Luke Baker
Diabolical goal-line dropout from South Africa - it barely goes 10 metres but works out as Nortje picks up the loose ball and surges 30 metres up the field.
Suddenly Scotland are retreating, a kick through and the ball is forced into touch on the Scotland 22. What a turnaround!
South Africa 14-14 Scotland, 45 mins
17:48 , Luke Baker
The Bomb Squad start to come on for the Boks as Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Zach Porthen and Elrigh Louw all enter the fray.
They’ve got a five-metre lineout to defend... Scotland drive the maul towards the line but HELD UP! Superb Bok defence and they’ll have the goal-line dropout
South Africa 14-14 Scotland, 44 mins
17:47 , Luke Baker
Scotland use the extra man, spread the ball wide right and Steyn bursts down the flank, all the way to within 10 metres of the line.
Back across the field and Tuipulotu tries to sneak in down the left. No dice but back for a penalty on the 22 and Russell kicks to the corner...
South Africa 14-14 Scotland, 42 mins
17:45 , Luke Baker
Josh Bayliss on at half-time in the Scottish pack.
Early penalty against Scotland but the TMO wants to check a clearout at a previous ruck. It’s another replacement, Ben-Jason Dixon, who tries to clear out Cummings, he goes low but his head then rises and make contact with the face of the Scottish lock.
That’s a yellow card, ten minutes in the bin and the bunker will see if it should be upgraded...
KICK-OFF! South Africa 14-14 Scotland
17:42 , Luke Baker
Back underway at Loftus Versfeld. What a second half we have in store
WATCH: First-half highlights
17:36 , Luke Baker
Four tries in that first 40 minutes and everything to play for in the second half
How about that from Scotland! 😮💨
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 11, 2026
A fantastic end to the second half, and after building the phases, an audacious offload from Russell finds Tuipulotu, who evades the tacklers and sets up Rowe to walk it in.
It's all square...
HT: 🇿🇦 14-14 🏴 pic.twitter.com/yUxOQGeE30
What a response from Scotland 🏴
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 11, 2026
They win a penalty from the scrum in their own 22, and from a tap-and-go, they finally get off the mark through Matt Fagerson 💪#NationsChampionship pic.twitter.com/J4Opugo9Os
Straight from the kick-off!
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 11, 2026
The Springboks get their second, and they just pile the pressure on Scotland, and it's Evan Roos who gets over 🇿🇦
How about that carry from Cobus Weise 💪#NationsChampionship pic.twitter.com/NoHOJkiVdj
What a try! 👏
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 11, 2026
The Springboks are off the mark, and it's a wonderful try from Embrose Papier, who dances past the Scottish defence 🇿🇦#NationsChampionship pic.twitter.com/SbJ4dYcAuZ
HALF-TIME! South Africa 14-14 Scotland
17:32 , Luke Baker
A thrilling first 40 minutes of rugby at Loftus Versfeld
HALF-TIME! South Africa 14-14 Scotland
17:28 , Luke Baker
What a fascinating half of rugby! Scotland started well but found themselves 14-0 down thanks to two quick South Africa tries.
But Gregor Townsend’s men fought their way back into the match, with Matt Fagerson narrowing the gap from close range before Sione Tuipulotu fed Kyle Rowe on the stroke of half-time to make it 14-14.
What a second half we’ve got in store!
TRY! South Africa 14-14 SCOTLAND (Kyle Rowe, 40 mins)
17:25 , Luke Baker
Now Scotland’s moment of brilliance! Russell goes backwards but keeps the ball alive and pops to Tuipulotu.
He rumbles back into the 22, finds a popped offload to Kyle Rowe running a great supporting line and the full-back ghosts over the line, under the sticks. WOW!
Simple conversion and Scotland will go into the break all square!
South Africa 14-7 Scotland, 39 mins
17:24 , Luke Baker
Flat pass from Russell out to Ashman who makes a few metres in the 22. Forwards then keep it tight for a couple of phases to reset.
Sloppy handling sends them backwards out of the 22 but they still have possession
South Africa 14-7 Scotland, 38 mins
17:23 , Luke Baker
The sides trade kicks before Rowe goes down the shortside to take Scotland into the Boks half. Then, it’s a penalty when the hosts are pinged for coming in at the side of a ruck.
Russell’s kick takes the underdogs back into the Boks 22...
South Africa 14-7 Scotland, 37 mins
17:21 , Luke Baker
Scotland are right in this game. Only that remarkable score almost straight from kick-off is separating the sides currently.
Can they see this out until half-time?
TRY! South Africa 14-7 SCOTLAND (Matt Fagerson, 35 mins)
17:19 , Luke Baker
Is Matt Fagerson over? I think he is! Pick and go from two metres out, drives the legs and forces the ball down.
Quick TMO check... Confirmed and Scotland are back within a score after the simple Russell conversion is added! Huge for the Scots.
South Africa 14-0 Scotland, 35 mins
17:18 , Luke Baker
Couple of carries to five metres out, then Scotland set up a rare open-field maul! Takes them to a couple of metres before being stopped...
South Africa 14-0 Scotland, 34 mins
17:17 , Luke Baker
Springboks scrum on their own five-metre line and SCOTLAND WIN THE PENALTY! Not often a South African scrum is pinged but they’re done for collapsing.
Penalty five metres out. They’ll tap and go...
South Africa 14-0 Scotland, 32 mins
17:15 , Luke Baker
Maul from the Scottish lineout and when the ball comes out, Rowe jinks to make a couple of metres.
Gregor Brown takes them within five metres thanks to a driving carry but then knock on as the pass falls to the ground! So frustrating with the line at their mercy.
South Africa 14-0 Scotland, 30 mins
17:13 , Luke Baker
A slight concern here as big Cobus Wiese is down and receiving treatment, possibly to his ribs or his side? But he’s back up and will carry on.
Scotland try to build from a lineout near halfway but soon knock on. Gregor Townsend looks pensive in the coaching box. They have penalty advantage though, so will have a platform in the 22...
South Africa 14-0 Scotland, 28 mins
17:10 , Luke Baker
An offload and De Villiers breaks the gain-line. Then a rare mistake from Willemse who knocks on in contact enabling Scotland to flip the field.
WATCH: South Africa strike with quickfire double
17:09 , Luke Baker
Two impressive tries in three minutes from the Springboks have them in control here
What a try! 👏
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 11, 2026
The Springboks are off the mark, and it's a wonderful try from Embrose Papier, who dances past the Scottish defence 🇿🇦#NationsChampionship pic.twitter.com/SbJ4dYcAuZ
Straight from the kick-off!
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) July 11, 2026
The Springboks get their second, and they just pile the pressure on Scotland, and it's Evan Roos who gets over 🇿🇦
How about that carry from Cobus Weise 💪#NationsChampionship pic.twitter.com/NoHOJkiVdj
South Africa 14-0 Scotland, 26 mins
17:08 , Luke Baker
Clean lineout, White surges down the blindside but Boks hooker Grobbelaar spoils the breakdown and wins the penalty. Good work.
South Africa clear their lines
South Africa 14-0 Scotland, 24 mins
17:07 , Luke Baker
Ashman driven into touch so back for the penalty. Russell tries to kick to the corner but it’s a poor effort, barely into the 22. The Scotland No 10 looks annoyed at himself
South Africa 14-0 Scotland, 23 mins
17:06 , Luke Baker
Better from Scotland. Tuipulotu with a great carry to make good yards and the visitors run through the phases to get into the 22.
Penalty advantage coming
South Africa 14-0 Scotland, 21 mins
17:03 , Luke Baker
Scotland had started this match so well. Suddenly, they’re 14 points down! Ten changes, no problem for the Boks
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 14-0 Scotland (Evan Roos, 20 mins)
17:02 , Luke Baker
Ruthless, ruthless from the Springboks. All from that remarkable Cobus Wiese run. They’re into the 22, making metres with every carry.
And then Evan Roos goes low, drives his legs and gets over the try-line. Raw strength. Conversion added, Scotland stunned.
South Africa 7-0 Scotland, 18 mins
17:01 , Luke Baker
Direct from the kick-off, Wiese lifted high and plucks the ball out of the air.
He then goes on an incredible, barrelling run. He goes 20 metres, handing off Scottish defenders and then offloading.
Suddenly the Boks deep in Scottish territory.
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 7-0 Scotland (Embrose Papier, 17 mins)
17:00 , Luke Baker
OH MY WORD! THAT IS BRILLIANT! Scotland think they’ve survived but from the goal-line drop out, the Boks get back up towards the 22.
There’s no immediate danger though, until... Scrum half Embrose Papier picks up from the base and snipes through a gap, then it’s dreamy footwork to step another defender and he races clear to dot down his first international try. WOW!
Conversion added and South Africa lead
South Africa 0-0 Scotland, 16 mins
16:58 , Luke Baker
Boks free-kick as Scotland engage early. Tap and go, Roos with a barrelling carry. A couple of phases later the No 8 goes again, for the line.
HELD UP! Superb defence from Scotland. They survive! I think it was Dempsey who held Roos up. Russell drop kicks clear
South Africa 0-0 Scotland, 14 mins
16:56 , Luke Baker
The atmosphere goes up a notch around Loftus Versfeld... This crowd knows what usually happens from a Springboks scrum 10 metres out...
The drive is on and another penalty! South Africa try to play the advantage but Kriel is pushed into touch.
Long discussion over what to do and eventually, the hosts settle for another scrum. Roars from the crowd!
South Africa 0-0 Scotland, 12 mins
16:54 , Luke Baker
Darge pinged for not rolling away in the tackle to concede a penalty bang in front of the sticks. Of course the Boks opt for a scrum! Love it!
South Africa 0-0 Scotland, 11 mins
16:53 , Luke Baker
This tense but compelling stuff so far. The kick battle has been keenly contested.
Dempsey gives away a breakdown penalty and South Africa kick into the Scottish 22. Great platform to build
South Africa 0-0 Scotland, 9 mins
16:51 , Luke Baker
Scotland go to the air with a high bomb but it’s knocked on during the leap. Papier responds with a testing box-kick that hits the deck and Russell does brilliantly to dive on the loose ball as it bounds backwards. Green shirts were ready to scoop and score!
South Africa get the ball back and build again just inside the Scottish half but this time the visitors win the aerial battle.
South Africa 0-0 Scotland, 7 mins
16:49 , Luke Baker
Opportunity squandered. South Africa disrupt the lineout and Scotland are then pinged for not throwing straight anyway. Hmmm, that looked a bit harsh. I’ve seen more egregiously crooked lineouts...
Boks get to flex their muscle at a scrum and they dominate it before Pollard thumps a kick well clear
South Africa 0-0 Scotland, 5 mins
16:47 , Luke Baker
Penalty advantage for Scotland, so Russell cross-kicks to Steyn but he can’t gather cleanly. Scotland kick to the corner. What an early chance for Gregor Townsend’s men...
South Africa 0-0 Scotland, 4 mins
16:46 , Luke Baker
The Boks set up a maul from the lineout that’s well defended. They run a couple of phases but great work by Cummings over the ball and they earn the breakdown penalty.
Good defensive set for the visitors in their fetching purple shirts
South Africa 0-0 Scotland, 2 mins
16:44 , Luke Baker
Good start by Scotland. Win a lineout and spread the ball through the hands. Hutchinson and Steyn get a touch.
Up towards the 22, where the green wall stiffens. Good carry by Ashman! Barrelling a Bok backwards.
But South Africa isolate the hooker and win the penalty. They clear over halfway
KICK-OFF! South Africa v Scotland
16:43 , Luke Baker
Underway at Loftus Versfeld. Can Scotland stun the Boks?
South Africa v Scotland teams
16:38 , Luke Baker
A couple of minutes until kick-off. A reminder of the teams, with both sides opting for experience at fly half. Finn Russell in at 10 for Scotland, Handre Pollard likewise for the Boks.
South Africa have made 10 changes from last week’s win. A glimmer of hope for Scotland? It’s a massive ask
South Africa XV: 1 Boan Venter, 2 Johann Grobbelaar, 3 Wilco Louw; 4 Cobus Wiese, 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Paul de Villiers, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (capt.), 8 Evan Roos; 9 Embrose Papier, 10 Handre Pollard; 11 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian Willemse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Edwill van der Merwe; 15 Aphelele Fassi.
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zach Porthen, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Elrigh Louw; 22 Grant Williams, 23 Quan Horn.
Scotland XV: 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Ewan Ashman, 3 Zander Fagerson; 4 Gregor Brown, 5 Scott Cummings; 6 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey; 9 Ben White, 10 Finn Russell; 11 Jamie Dobie, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (capt.), 13 Rory Hutchinson, 14 Kyle Steyn; 15 Kyle Rowe.
Replacements: 16 Gregor Hiddleston, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Alex Samuel, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Magnus Bradbury; 22 Tom Jordan, 23 Stafford McDowall.
South Africa v Scotland
16:34 , Luke Baker
Warm-ups done and the teams will be out shortly. Loftus Versfeld is ready for action
Can Scotland test South Africa in the air?
16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
How good was Damian Willemse last week? The South Africa full-back should have got the player of the match prize, only for a mix-up with the host broadcaster SuperSport leading to Damian de Allende being mistakenly awarded the prize. Willemse takes his teammate’s shirt today, moving from No 15 into the centres as Rassie Erasmus remodels his backline.
I’d expect Scotland to try and test the back three in the air. Aphelele Fassi is light on rugby this year after injury, while Edwill van der Merwe and Canan Moodie are both freshly introduced. Moodie is an excellent aerial operator but Scotland have one of their own in Kyle Steyn. As ever, the contestable battle will be key.
Scrum battle in focus
16:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
I think the scrum battle today could be fascinating. Boan Venter will know the Scottish front row intimately from his five years at Edinburgh – although that works the other way, of course, and Pierre Schoeman will be keen to get one over the country of his birth. He’ll lock horns with Wilco Louw, perhaps the world’s best in the scrum skirmish.
Replacement Springbok props Ntuthuko Mchunu and Zach Porthen are newer faces, though both extremely highly-rated. Losing Elliot Millar Mills to injury is a blow to Scotland’s stocks; Zander Fagerson may have to go deep before Will Hurd takes over later on.
Gregor Townsend urges Scots to rise to challenge
16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Gregor Townsend has challenged his Scotland players to deliver a performance that gives them a fighting chance of glory in one of the flagship games of their career in Pretoria.
The Scots are huge underdogs as they prepare to face South Africa away from home for the first time in 12 years in Saturday’s Nations Championship showdown at Loftus Versfeld.
“None of the 23 have played a Test match against the Springboks out here and to do it when they’re world champions, it’s obviously a game that will stand out in most of the players’ careers,” said head coach Townsend.
“You get those big challenges in your career, whether it’s finals for your club, whether it’s massive games in the Six Nations and World Cup, but also those one-off games that you don’t get to play very often.
“In our case, it’s the only occasion we play the Springboks (away) with this squad, so those are the ones where you get that extra edge in your preparation. I can’t wait for our players to go in there and I’m sure they’re looking forward to it too.”
South Africa vs Scotland match officials
16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Referee: Pierre Brousset (Fra)
ARs: James Doleman (NZ) & Andrew Brace (Ire)
TMO: Richard Kelly (NZ)
FPRO: Olly Hodges (Ire)
Team news – Scotland
15:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Finn Russell has recovered from a calf injury to start at fly half for Scotland having missed the win over Argentina. Zander Fagerson and Gregor Brown are promoted into the starting tight five off the bench, while Rory Hutchinson and Kyle Rowe continue at outside centre and full-back after strong performances a week ago.
There are six forwards on the bench, with Jamie Dobie the scrum-half cover if required.
Scotland XV: 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Ewan Ashman, 3 Zander Fagerson; 4 Gregor Brown, 5 Scott Cummings; 6 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey; 9 Ben White, 10 Finn Russell; 11 Jamie Dobie, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (capt.), 13 Rory Hutchinson, 14 Kyle Steyn; 15 Kyle Rowe.
Replacements: 16 Gregor Hiddleston, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Alex Samuel, 20 Josh Bayliss, 21 Magnus Bradbury; 22 Tom Jordan, 23 Stafford McDowall.
Team news – South Africa
15:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It’s a new-look South African team, again led by Pieter-Steph du Toit after the flanker stood in following Siya Kolisi’s late withdrawal against England. Four of the tight five in front of the flanker are freshly involved, while Van Roos replaces Jasper Wiese at No 8.
Damian Willemse, so impressive at full-back a week ago, shifts into the centres with Aphelele Fassi wearing the No 15 shirt, while Handre Pollard starts at fly half at his home club ground. Six forwards are ready to make an impact from the bench.
South Africa XV: 1 Boan Venter, 2 Johann Grobbelaar, 3 Wilco Louw; 4 Cobus Wiese, 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Paul de Villiers, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (capt.), 8 Evan Roos; 9 Embrose Papier, 10 Handre Pollard; 11 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian Willemse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Edwill van der Merwe; 15 Aphelele Fassi.
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Zach Porthen, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Elrigh Louw; 22 Grant Williams, 23 Quan Horn.
Scotland's speedy arrival
15:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Scotland wasted little time getting to South Africa after their win over Argentina, landing in Johannesburg last Sunday and checking in to their Sandton hotel before a bruised England had even left for home. Have they had enough time to adjust to the altitude? Loftus Versfled isn’t quite as high as Ellis Park, but it is still up on the Highveld.
Rassie the record-breaker
15:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Rassie Erasmus oversees his 55th Springboks Test today, breaking the record of Jake White as the most of any South Africa coach. Erasmus has actually been present for rather more matches than that, moving upstairs after the 2019 World Cup with Jacques Nienaber officially in charge – but the scheming supremo still wielded plenty of power. This is Test No 94 since his arrival in 2018 – what a transformation it has been.
Scotland's Rory Darge relishing physical challenge
15:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Rory Darge is ready to be tested like never before in Pretoria after feeling the full force of South Africa twice already in his career.
The Scots are braced for a formidable challenge at Loftus Versfeld in their second match of the Nations Championship after kicking off their campaign with an impressive win in Argentina last weekend.
Darge, 26, faced South Africa for the first time on neutral territory in Marseille as the Scots lost 18-3 in a pool-stage match at the 2023 World Cup and he and his team-mates endured more disappointment 14 months later, in November 2024, when they went down 32-15 at Murrayfield.
“Both games, they were a hard team to play against,” said the Glasgow back-rower. “They do their things very well, the physicality side of things, the set-piece, the athletes within their side, they’re really trying to disrupt your play and take you away from your game around the breakdown and your own attack, so, yes, I definitely felt that.
“In terms of how it prepares you (for Saturday), I think there are bits from those games you can look at, but both teams are so different now and have evolved with different players. The pressure they put you under and the pressure that you feel, it’s hard to replicate until you get into the Test match. It’s definitely one of the toughest challenges going against South Africa at Loftus.”
Nations Championship schedule, results, kick-off times and how to watch
15:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
This second Saturday of the Nations Championship has already been hectic. Here’s how you can follow every game of rugby’s new competition:
Nations Championship schedule, results, kick-off times and how to watch
How the Springboks started their campaign
14:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South Africa, meanwhile, were everything you would expect the world champions to be in a comprehensive win over England. Ominous stuff from the Springboks, though they bear a fresh look this week.
Borthwick faces defining week as dominant Springboks hand England fifth straight loss
Scotland open Nations Championship campaign with stylish win over Argentina
14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Not that Scotland seemed to much miss their regular starting fly half in Argentina, with Tom Jordan and the rest of the backline very, very good in putting the Pumas away.
Scotland open Nations Championship campaign with stylish win over Argentina
South African enjoy captain's run before Scotland clash
14:30 , Jack Rathborn
Finn Russell returns as Scotland face daunting South Africa challenge
14:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There is welcome news for Scotland with Finn Russell fit to feature at Loftus Versfeld.
Finn Russell returns as Scotland face daunting South Africa challenge
Scotland captain's run before daunting South Africa test
12:16 , Jack Rathborn
South Africa vs Scotland LIVE
Friday 10 July 2026 10:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle
For the first time in 12 years, Scotland are readying themselves to take on the Springboks on South African soil as a side buoyed by victory over Argentina take on one of Test rugby’s toughest Tests. With Finn Russell back at the helm, can Gregor Townsend’s men exploit a heavily-changed home team for a famous win?
Kick off in Pretoria is at 4.40pm BST.
