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 16-6 South Africa, 58 minutes
The Irish front row then stand up under pressure at the scrum. Bongi Mbonambi will throw the South African lineout on the edge of Ireland’s 22.
Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 56 minutes
Robert Baloucoune has barely been sighted with ball in hand today, highlighting a left-leaning approach from the Irish attack. His aerial work has been mixed - he is up early, impressively here, but fails to collect cleanly.
Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 55 minutes
A ten-point lead is far from safe, obviously, but Ireland are really starting to take control of this game. South Africa need a moment of inspiration - both of their back replacements are now on, with Faf de Klerk ready to feed a scrum and Willie le Roux on at full-back. Cheslin Kolbe shifts to the wing.
Here is that superb Mack Hansen try.
Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 55 minutes
That’ll please Finlay Bealham rather more. Nika Amashukeli’s whistle sounds with the South African scrum in rapid retreat.
Ireland 16-6 South Africa, 53 minutes
A loose pull-back pass from Finlay Bealham at the line, failing to pick his spot and throwing it inaccurately. South Africa try to capitalise, but are over-eager, rushing their play, with an offload to Siya Kolisi clearly forward.
TRY! IRELAND 16-6 South Africa (Mack Hansen try, 50 minutes)
A superbly taken try!
This is outstanding from start to finish from Ireland. First Caelan Doris is sharpest to react to a loose ball, ensuring it remains infield and allowing his teammates to recycle. Finlay Bealham plays his part as the efficient cog turning it on, allowing Jamison Gibson-Park to dart into space outside of Steven Kitshoff.
Gibson-Park releases an early pass, Tadhg Beirne providing linking hands in space, allowing Jimmy O’Brien to send Mack Hansen away on an unimpeded frolic to the line.
Johnny Sexton’s touchline conversion attempt is a better effort than his last, but isn’t quite there.
Ireland 11-6 South Africa, 48 minutes
Vincent Koch - sadly so briefly of Wasps, now of Stade Francais - is on for South Africa for Frans Malherbe at tighthead.
Ireland just starting to grow in confidence. Strong defence as the Springboks go nowhere.
TRY! IRELAND 11-6 South Africa (Josh van der Flier try, 46 minutes)
They haven’t - Van der Flier has scored!
Excellent from the Ireland flanker, remaining alert even as the maul crabs over towards the touchline. Van der Flier remains straight, keeping the chalk off his boots and firmly finding the line before he is forced out.
Try? Ireland 6-6 South Africa, 46 minutes
The maul gets moving and Josh van der Flier celebrates as he plants the ball down in the field of play. But had South Africa forced the rumbling mass into touch?
Ireland 6-6 South Africa, 45 minutes
A bit of zip into Ireland’s play, Johnny Sexton remaining down after releasing an inside ball to Mack Hansen, but not necessarily missed, Hugo Keenan, Garry Ringrose and Jimmy O’Brien all taking on playmaking duties.
Jamison Gibson-Park produces a delicious blind inside ball out the back to put Hansen into another hole, and eventually Ireland draw a penalty, the fifth against South Africa at the breakdown.
Sexton receives extended treatment, but joins his teammates in the huddle soon enough.
The Ireland captain has a chat with lieutenant James Ryan. “Corner?”
“Corner.”
To the corner they go.
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