Scotland put in one of their best performances in years to match world champions South Africa for 70 minutes, said coach Gregor Townsend, who hailed his side’s fight and determination while he also rued some decisions against his side at Murrayfield.

The Springboks beat Scotland 32-15 in their Test match played at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Sunday. The world champions were pushed all the way in a nervy, error-ridden performance, but managed to score four tries to none to emerge as victors in their first match of three on this Northern Hemisphere tour.

Scotland closed to within four points of the Springboks during a third-quarter purple patch but rushes of blood and the visitors’ scramble defense prevented the try that the home side desperately wanted and needed.

World champions South Africa grind out a gutsy win over spirited Scotland at Murrayfield in the Autumn Nations Series

South Africa got their Autumn Nations Series campaign off to a positive start courtesy of a 32-15 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.