The Springboks managed to secure a 32-15 victory over Scotland in their opening end-of-year tour match at Murrayfield in Edinburgh. Despite the seemingly comfortable scoreline, Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth acknowledged that the match was much closer than it appeared.
Etzebeth, who put in a stellar performance and was awarded man of the match, admitted that the Boks were pushed hard throughout the game. The team was fortunate to lead 19-9 at halftime, with the score narrowing to 19-15 as the match entered the final 20 minutes. However, two late penalties from flyhalf Handre Pollard and a converted try from replacement eighthman Jasper Wiese secured a more convincing win for the Boks.
Reflecting on the match, Etzebeth emphasized the toughness of the Test and credited Scotland for their quality performance. The Boks had to navigate challenges, including a yellow card to wing Makazole Mapimpi in the second half. Despite this, the team displayed a strong defensive effort, keeping Scotland from scoring any tries for the second consecutive game.
Pollard also highlighted the team’s rustiness, having not played together since the Rugby Championship in September. He commended Scotland for their physicality and ability to capitalize on mistakes. Looking ahead, Pollard expressed satisfaction with the win and emphasized the importance of adapting to challenges on the field.
Overall, the Boks’ victory against Scotland was a hard-fought battle that showcased their resilience and ability to overcome obstacles. With the focus now shifting to their upcoming match against England, the team is gearing up for another tough test. The players are determined to build on their performance and continue to adapt and improve as they progress through the end-of-year tour.
