Scotland player ratings v Springboks: Finn Russell ‘weaves his magic’ and Sione Tuipulotu ’empties the tank’ in brave defeat to world champions

After their 42-28 Nations Championship defeat against the Springboks at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, here’s how the Scotland team performed on Saturday.

15 Kyle Rowe: The 28-year-old asked plenty of questions of the Springboks defence as he was superb with ball in hand, finishing with 54 metres gained which included two clean breaks. five defenders beaten and a first half try. 7

14 Kyle Steyn: Although he did not get his name onto the scoresheet, the experienced winger caught the eye with some fine attacking runs while he also competed bravely under the high ball. 7

13 Rory Hutchinson: Not a game he will remember fondly as he made little impact on attack or defence before being replaced by Stafford McDowall in the 64th minute. 5

12 Sione Tuipulotu (c): Scotland’s skipper led the way for the full 80 minutes with an outstanding all-round performance. Tuipulotu emptied the tank on attack as he gave his side valuable momentum with some devastating ball carries. Finished with a match-high 72 metres gained which included 14 carries and two clean breaks. 9

11 Jamie Dobie: Scotland‘s expansive style of play saw him gaining 38 metres but he was less visible in other areas, especially defence where he only made three tackles before being replaced by Tom Jordan in the 68th minute. 6

10 Finn Russell: Showed why he is rated as one of the best fly-halves in the world as he constantly weaved his magic and his excellent attacking skills kept Scotland in this game for long periods. Russell‘s brilliance on attack created several try-scoring opportunities for his team-mates while he was also solid off the kicking tee where he slotted four conversions. 9

9 Ben White: The Toulon star provided a slick service to his outside backs during an 80-minute stint and also proved a threat on attack with his efforts rewarded with a well-taken try in the game’s dying moments. 7

The forwards

Springboks player ratings: Handre Pollard delivers statement performance while ‘mammoth’ Pieter-Steph du Toit shift sees off Scotland

8 Jack Dempsey: As usual, the experienced back-row proved effective with ball in hand as he gained 44 attacking metres while he also shone on defence as he finished with a joint team-high 15 tackle completions. 8

7 Rory Darge: Put his body on the line at the breakdowns but made little impact and was also quiet in other areas before Josh Bayliss replaced him at the start of the second half. 5

6 Matt Fagerson: The Glasgow Warriors tearaway was on the field for 60 minutes and gave his all during that time as he competed ferociously at the breakdowns, scored a try late in the opening half and impressed on defence where he made 15 hits. 7

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5 Scott Cummings: The 2025 British & Irish Lions tourist was in the thick of the action from the outset and apart from impressing with his lineout work, he also shone as a ball carrier, gaining 30 metres. 7

4 Gregor Brown: Not as effective as Cummings with ball in hand but he did what was expected of him in the lineouts and impressed on defence where he made 11 tackles. 6

3 Zander Fagerson: The older of the Fagerson brothers was put under pressure in the scrums during the game’s early stages but soon settled in that department while also impressing in other facets of play. Fagerson was a willing ball carrier and did his bit on defence where he made 10 hits before Will Hurd replaced him after 60 minutes. 6

2 Ewan Ashman: He impressed in the execution of his core duties and had some good attacking moments while also impressing on defence where he completed eight hits. Replaced by Gregor Hiddleston on the hour-mark. 6

1 Pierre Schoeman: Was back in familiar surroundings but was sent pedalling backwards at a rate of knots in the first scrum and subsequently conceded a penalty in his direct duel with Wilco Louw. Schoeman came back strongly and won a scrum penalty later in the half while also doing well on defence and finished with 13 tackles made. 6

Replacements: Gregor Townsend will be happy with the efforts of his back-up players as most of them brought plenty of energy to the cause, particularly in the final quarter when Scotland were chasing the game. Leading the charge were the reserve forwards where Hiddleston, Max Williamson, Magnus Bradbury and Josh Bayliss took the fight to the opposition and the latter’s efforts were rewarded with a try. 8