An absolutely breathless contest at Loftus Versfeld ended in defeat for Scotland as South Africa overcame them to win 42-28 in the second round of the 2026 Nations Championship.
Gregor Townsend’s players ran themselves into the ground in Pretoria in search of victory and pushed the best team in the world to their limits. However, the back-to-back world cup winners showed their class and strength in depth as a much altered side overpowered the Scots in the end.
It was a match where we saw some players at their very best while others really seemed to struggle. Here is how we rated the Scotland stating XV and replacements from their loss to the Boks:
5. Scott Cummings - 9
Immense from start to finish, one of his best performances in a Scotland shirt. Played the full 80 and never seemed to tire. Won penalties, scored a try and made multiple line breaks. | SNS Group / SRU
6. Matt Fagerson - 8
Great awareness and reactions for Scotland's first try. Tackled and ran himself into the ground for the almost hour he was on the pitch. | SNS Group / SRU
7. Rory Darge - 7
Only played the first 40 but was at his very best. Tackled, carried and disrupted the breakdown with anger and energy | SNS Group / SRU
8. Jack Dempsey - 8
Huge defensive effort including holding up the ball early on at a crucial moment. Another who played the full 80 and although he looked exhausted at the end it was a mammoth effort | SNS Group / SRU