Etzebeth stands tall in show of Springboks' strength

Not much arguing with this. Scotland threw everything at this match, setting their beloved stadium on a roar time and again, but four tries to none tells its own story.

- Michael Aylwin

South Africa, without ever really seeming to play much more than within themselves, were just too strong.

The image of a lusty puncher failing to land a single blow came to mind, as the Springboks held a swinging Scotland at arm's length, rarely too troubled, for all their opponents' fire and enthusiasm. Time and again Scotland broke out, but they could not quite score a try, let alone four of them. Eben Etzebeth was the icon, huge, commanding and, at times, laughing in his opponents' faces.

For Scotland, Tom Jordan was a notable success, particularly with ball in hand. Picked in the unfamiliar position of full-back, he made countless breaks out wide. Scotland found most joy against the Springbok defence when working the ball into these positions, but the telling blow proved elusive.

"I'm proud of our performance," said Sione Tuipulotu, Scotland's captain. "Just disappointed we didn't win. We have to take responsibility for that. The game was there to be won, but we didn't execute."