Rugby: Scotland beat champions South Africa
Scotland has beaten world champion rugby side South Africa 21-17 in a historic victory at Murrayfield.
After losing 49-3 to New Zealand last weekend, Channel 4 News reporter Isla Glaister said the game was all about “restoring pride” for Scotland.
From the reaction of the crowd, it seems the victory today has done that. It’s the first time Scotland has beaten South Africa for eight years, and only the fourth time the side has ever beaten the Springboks in 20 meetings.
All of the points were scored by the boot of Dan Parks – who scored six penalties and a drop goal.
A try from South Africa, the 2007 world champions, couldn’t alter the outcome of the game, which saw Scotland grind their rivals down in very wet conditions at Murrayfield.
“In the end, it was hard, gritty and not very pretty, but it was a famous victory nonetheless,” said Ms Glaister.
Scotland captain Rory Lawson praised his team’s spirit.
“Those conditions were really brutal out there today. It was all about field position today and we got the upper hand on that. It was all about being together and working hard for each other,” he said.
Scotland coach Andy Robinson backed his captain’s comments, saying: “What a difference a week makes. They’re tough conditions to play in. Some people say they are Scottish conditions. I think the guys handled it very well.”
Your reactions to the win on Twitter
@GlendinningSYP: We're ecstatic!
@jaggo2210: Hoping we hold onto Andy Robinson as he's the best thing that's happened to Scottish Rugby since Geech and Telfer
@sempaiscuba: 21 points to 17 - calls foe a wee dram
@rlwjones: It was hardly a classic game. I think we should arrange for all our matches to be played in the pouring rain in future.