South Africa prove too strong for Scotland

South Africa went top of Pool B after a comfortable 34-16 win against Scotland in Newcastle.

The Springboks were well worth their first half tries from Schlak Burger & J.P Pietersen as they controlled proceedings.

The Scots struggled to gain territory despite their defensive efforts, but a Duncan Weir interception set-up Tommy Seymour to score after the break.

But the boot of  South Africa fly-half Handre Pollard kept clear breathing space between them and Vern Cotter's side before Bryan Habana slid into the corner late on to seal the victory. 

The Springboks seem to have fully recovered from their shock opening defeat to Japan as they go in search of a third World Cup title.

As for Scotland, they face Samoa -who are out of the World Cup after defeat to Japan - next week, knowing a win will see them advance to the last eight of the competition. 

This performance from Heyneke Meyer's side was one of huge physicality and force. Their first try on 13 minutes was a clear example of this as Burger was helped over by his fellow forwards. 

They really did use their power to their advantage all afternoon and that was emphasised when a rolling maul blew Scotland away and allowed Pietersen to dive over after good awareness from captain Fourie Du Prezz.

Scotland needed a moment of magic after South Africa dominated the first half and that spark for came from Weir who intercepted a pass on his 22 before galloping nearly the length of the field. He was stopped in his tracks, but a good supporting run by winger Tim Visser paved the way for Seymour to cross.

The margin was reduced to seven points and Scotland sensed they could turn this game around.

Captain Greig Laidlaw was then yellow carded for tackling Habana without the ball, but Scotland continued to fight.

Their might have been some neves in the South Africa camp, but they were banished when Pollard continued to be cool with his boot as he pinged over a drop-goal.

In the end, the Boks just had too much possession and Scotland just couldn't find that clinical edge. South Africa weren't sensational but their sheer power unsettled Scotland from the first whistle and was a clear difference between the sides.

Line-Ups

South Africa: le Roux, Pietersen, Kriel, de Allende, Habana, Pollard, du Preez, Mtawarira, B. du Plessis, J. du Plessis, Etzebeth, de Jager, Louw, Burger, Vermeulen.

Replacements: Lambie, Serfontein, Pienaar, Nyakane, Strauss, Malherbe du Toit, Alberts.

Tries: Burger,  Pietersen, Habana

Cons: Pollard (2)

Pens: Pollard (3)

Drop Goal: Pollard

Scotland : Hogg, Seymour, Vernon, Scott, Visser, Weir, Laidlaw, Reid, Brown, Nel, R. Gray, J. Gray, Strauss, Cowan, Denton.

Replacements: Lamont, Horne. Hidalgo-Clyne, Dickinson, Ford, Welsh, Swinson, Wilson.

Try: Seymour

Con: Laidlaw

Pens: Laidlaw (2), Weir