Scotland vs Fiji LIVE rugby: Final score and result from autumn international
Gregor Townsend’s side were looking to bounce back at Murrayfield from a narrow defeat to Australia last week
Scotland overcame a first-half scare to beat Fiji 28-12 at Murrayfield on Saturday, outscoring their visitors by four tries to two in a tough, physical contest.
George Turner, Adam Hastings, Duhan van der Merwe and Ben White dotted down for the home team with Hastings adding two conversions and his replacement Blair Kinghorn the other pair.
Fiji’s points all came in an impressive first-half showing, from Setariki Tuicuvu and debutant lock Ratu Leone Rotuisolia with a solitary conversion from Vilimoni Botitu.
Scotland’s superior organisation and fitness proved decisive but they had to weather an early onslaught that suggested with more preparation Fiji might have come closer to an upset. They had just days to prepare after only assembling at the start of the week.
Ireland 16-11 South Africa, 71 minutes
Johnny Sexton launches his latest firework, the debris coming down just short of South Africa’s 22, with the Springboks managing to smuggle the ball back their way.
Ireland 16-11 South Africa, 70 minutes
This hasn’t been Damian Willemse’s best performance. He sails a kick out on the full, neither driving it for a 50:22 when the option appeared to be there nor sending up a tempter for those outside him to chase.
TRY! Ireland 16-11 SOUTH AFRICA (Franco Mostert try, 68 minutes)
The long arm of the lock gets there!
From nowhere, invention from South Africa. Cheslin Kolbe latches on to a grubber and releases Jesse Kriel, who hurls a desperate offload back to Kolbe as he is buffeted into touch. Kolbe is somehow hauled back by Jimmy O’Brien.
Franco Mostert won’t be denied, though, hitting a hole with advantage coming and using the full extension of those lengthy limbs to score.
The conversion...strikes the upright and stays out!
Try? Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 67 minutes
At last life in South Africa’s play - has Franco Mostert managed to reach out for the line?
Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 66 minutes
South Africa really aren’t helping themselves. Their punt for the corner misses touch, with Robert Baloucoune not even required to produce any contortions, rushing in to gather on the five-metre line.
Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 65 minutes
Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Beirne take their (richly-earned) leave; Ireland bring on Rob Herring and Kieran Treadwell to ballast their tight five. Jamison Gibson-Park is now sporting a protective scrum cap after suffering a head wound - he feeds a stable Irish scrum, but produces another hashed box kick. Josh van der Flier gets to it, though, and strides away from danger.
The flanker goes all the way up towards halfway, where South Africa win a holding on penalty.
Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 64 minutes
Makazola Mapimpi trots in, but there’s a forward pass!
Bright thinking from Kwagga Smith, the replacement flanker tapping and going a penalty and beating three defenders.
Smith’s charge up the left opens space on the right, but Eben Etzebeth ignores the numbers waiting outside him, and Damian Willemse’s ball for his wing Mapimpi drifts forward.
Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 62 minutes
Looser from the home side, Dan Sheehan’s throw stolen; Jamison Gibson-Park’s box kick sliced.
Can South Africa take advantage of possession in attacking position? They cannot - Tadhg Beirne leads an effective counter-ruck and then boots the ball up field.
Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 60 minutes
The Irish front row then gets revenge, awarded the penalty as it all comes down in a heap.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments