South Africa v Scotland LIVE: Rugby World Cup result and reaction as Springboks dismantle Scots
South Africa made a statement in their opening Rugby World Cup game as title holders, defeating Scotland 18-3 in Marseille.
After a 30-point victory over New Zealand on the eve of the tournament, the Springboks were given a testing first half by an inspired Scottish outfit eager to pull off the upset.
The physical affair was epitomised by Pieter-Steph du Toit, who provided plenty of brawn to barge his way over for another try. And the match was then decided by a moment of quality from the Boks, including the boot of Manie Libbok, who had earlier provided two penalties, and the speed of Kurt-Lee Arendse before a smart finish.
Relive all the action and find analysis and reaction from the Stade de Marseille below. Get all the Rugby World Cup odds here and the latest Scotland vs South Africa tips here:
South Africa v Scotland LIVE: Rugby World Cup
South Africa take on Scotland at the Stade de Marseille in Pool B
FULL-TIME! South Africa 18-3 Scotland
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 18-3 Scotland (Arendse, 51 mins)
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 11-3 Scotland, (Du Toit, 47 mins)
HALF-TIME! South Africa 6-3 Scotland
PENALTY! South Africa 6-3 SCOTLAND, (Russell, 40 mins)
PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 6-0 Scotland, (Libbok, 25 mins)
PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 3-0 Scotland, (Libbok, 13 mins)
Man of the match, Manie Libbok speaking after the game
18:53 , Ben Fleming
“I’m thankful to my forwards for giving me the platform to do what I do.”
On his cross-field kick for the second try: “I saw the space out wide and I knew I was going to go there. I practice that kind of stuff a lot so I’m pleased it came off.
On playing in a World Cup: “It’s just a dream come true for me, I’m stoked it went how it did. We can really take confidence out of this and then move forward.”
FULL-TIME: South Africa 18-3 Scotland
18:44 , Ben Fleming
Libbok boots the ball into the stands and the full-time whistle goes. An electric start to the second half was the difference for South Africa against a Scotland side that fought valiantly but eventually ran out of steam.
A winning start for the defending champions. Work to be done now for Scotland.
South Africa 18-3 Scotland, 79 mins
18:42 , Ben Fleming
A late penalty is kicked into the corner by Scotland as they look to get a late score. But another mistake follows from an attacking lineout and South Africa are gifted a penalty as the clock ticks into the red.
South Africa 18-3 Scotland, 77 mins
18:39 , Ben Fleming
Another half chance for Scotland as Kinghorn can’t quite get on the end of a low kick behind the South African defence.
Once again, Scotland give up the ball and a surging run from Williams requires a superb last-ditch tap tackle from Russell to deny a remarkable end-to-end score from the Spingbok sub.
South Africa 18-3 Scotland, 75 mins
18:36 , Ben Fleming
A storming run for Kolbe down the left almost provides South Africa with another score in this second half. The rapid winger is eventually halted in the Scottish 22 but the ball remains in the wrong part of the pitch for Townsend’s men with the clock rapidly ticking down.
South Africa 18-3 Scotland, 74 mins
18:34 , Jack Rathborn
South Africa 18-3 Scotland, 70 mins
18:31 , Ben Fleming
A few new faces storm onto the Scotland pitch as they eye up a humongous late comeback. Not happening so far as we enter the game’s final ten minutes.
South Africa 18-3 Scotland, 64 mins
18:23 , Ben Fleming
A bolt of energy into the Scottish attack as Russell delivers an inch-perfect 50-22 to regain possession close to the South African line. Graham thinks he’s gone over as they take it quickly but the referee pulls it back.
From there, the attack never gets going and it’s superb defence from the Springboks to win the penalty at the breakdown. Just not happening for Townsend’s men going forward.
South Africa 18-3 Scotland, 60 mins
18:17 , Ben Fleming
Another change for the Springboks as the imposing figure of Vermeulen is brought on to replace Wiese.
PENALTY MISSED! South Africa 18-3 Scotland, (De Klerk, 58 mins)
18:15 , Ben Fleming
The new Scottish front row are on the pitch but it’s more dominance from South Africa at scrum time. Another penalty comes there way but it’s another miss as scrum-half De Klerk fails to add another three points.
South Africa 18-3 Scotland, 56 mins
18:12 , Ben Fleming
The South African bench is in full display as they dominate a scrum to win a penalty.
Nche, Mbonambi and Nyakane are on the pitch - the ‘bomb squad’ as they are not so affectionately known.
Scotland respond with three changes in the front row as well as Cherry, Bhatt and Nel are introduced into the action. Cummings also replaces Gilchrist in the second row.
Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Stade Velodrome
18:09 , Ben Fleming
"That's what the Springboks can do. They re-emerged after the interval looking properly, properly focussed and have blasted Scotland off the park in the first ten minutes before showing their attacking range, Manie Libbok's pinpoint kick setting Kurt-Lee Arendse scampering away up the right touchline. Scotland tend to save their best rugby for late on, but 15 points already looks a long way back"
TRY! South Africa 18-3 Scotland, (Arendse, 51 mins)
18:07 , Ben Fleming
The screw has been well and truly turned by the defending champions and it’s a lovely try from Arendse.
Libbok has been poor off the tee but it’s a divine cross-field kick from the fly-half to find Arendse, who is in acres of space and charges over for the Springboks’ second try in three minutes.
De Klerk takes over conversion duties and makes no mistake. 18-3 up now and Scotland have a mighty task on their hands now...
TRY! South Africa 11-3 Scotland, (Du Toit, 47 mins)
18:04 , Ben Fleming
Du Toit plunders over and South Africa have the first try of the game! The pressure tells on Scotland who did well to repel the attack initially when Arendse had a chance out on the right wing.
However, from a scrum, the Springboks continue to work the play and, in the end, Du Toit is helped over the line by a combination of brute force and support from his team-mates.
It’s another poor attempt from Libbok from the tee, who misses the conversion, but a bit of breathing space for South Africa now.
PENALTY MISSED! South Africa 6-3 Scotland, (Libbok, 43 mins)
17:58 , Ben Fleming
Libbok steps up but pulls his effort way left of the target. An early chance goes begging for the Springboks.
South Africa 6-3 Scotland, 41 mins
17:57 , Ben Fleming
We are back underway at the Stade Velodrome and it’s South Africa who strike first.
They lost a couple of scrums late in the first half but they’ve re-asserted themselves after the break and have a long-distance look at another three points.
HALF-TIME: South Africa 6-3 Scotland
17:49 , Ben Fleming
Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Stade Velodrome
17:42 , Ben Fleming
It’s half-time in Marseille. The Independent’s Harry Latham-Coyle assesses the first half:
"A scrappy, sloppy half and Scotland will be mightily pleased to go in only three behind. They've had to cling on at times but have grown into things, and that last scrummaging effort from Pierre Schoeman and Zander Fagerson against the head is the sort of moment that will imbue the rest of the side with belief."
PENALTY! South Africa 6-3 Scotland, (Russell, 40 mins)
17:40 , Ben Fleming
The fly-half makes no mistake and, with that, the half-time whistle goes. An enthraling, physical encounter between these two sides.
No tries to shout about but Scotland are right in this contest after a slow start.
South Africa 6-0 Scotland, 39 mins
17:39 , Ben Fleming
And another almighty shove at the scrum, this time on South African ball!
Superb from Fagerson, in particular, who gets the plaudits from his teammates, and now Russell with the chance to halve his side’s deficit on the brink of half-time...
South Africa 6-0 Scotland, 37 mins
17:36 , Ben Fleming
More great set-piece play from Scotland, this time at the scrum. They are more than holding there own with this physical South African side and win another penalty and some much-needed territory.
South Africa 6-0 Scotland, 34 mins
17:32 , Ben Fleming
A big win for Scotland from the driving lineout. The Springbok’s physicality is repelled superbly as the maul collapses. Srum Scotland.
South Africa 6-0 Scotland, 30 mins
17:29 , Ben Fleming
Huge chance for Scotland! Kriel flies out defence in the midfield but gets nothing of the ball and suddenly Scotland have a huge numbers advantage. It’s three-on-one with Graham on the ball but the winger decides to go alone and that’s surely the wrong choice as he gets taken down by a recovering challenge from Libbok.
Big opportunity gone there for Scotland but encouraging signs for Townsend’s men.
South Africa 6-0 Scotland, 27 mins
17:27 , Ben Fleming
A couple of big collisions in and around the South African 22, with Russell and Arendse coming together. A nasty blow to the ribs for the Scot but he’s back on his feet eventually.
South Africa 6-0 Scotland, 26 mins
17:22 , Ben Fleming
A big loss for the Springboks, though, just after that penalty. Imposing second row Etzebeth appears to have a problem with his leg and has to make way.
Snyman comes on to replace him.
PENALTY! South Africa 6-0 Scotland, (Libbok, 25 mins)
17:20 , Ben Fleming
Tuipulotu has his hands in the ruck when he shouldn’t as South African defence swarm over him to win a penalty.
Libbok converts and South Africa double their lead.
South Africa 3-0 Scotland, 22 mins
17:16 , Ben Fleming
A second Scotland kick is charged down but Kinghorn is able to punt the ball clear. But it’s a terrific response in defence from Graham to tackle the Sprinbok player into touch and the tension spills over.
Shirts pulled, plenty of pushing and shoving but nothing too serious. Referee Angus Gardner gives a stern warning to both sides but nothing more.
South Africa 3-0 Scotland, 20 mins
17:10 , Ben Fleming
Now it’s South Africa who make an unforced error, as a knock-on gifts Scotland back the ball inside their own 22.
Rugby World Cup 2023: South Africa 3-0 Scotland
17:08 , Jack Rathborn
South Africa 3-0 Scotland, 18 mins
17:07 , Ben Fleming
A second error at the lineout from Scotland inside the South African half. Not the ideal start for Townsend’s side who have wasted possession on both occasions that they have got into the opposition half.
PENALTY! South Africa 3-0 Scotland, (Libbok, 13 mins)
17:03 , Ben Fleming
Having just survived an early missed penalty, it’s sloppy from Scotland and Russell, in particular. A deliberate knock-on catches the eye of the ref and, this time, Libbok makes no mistake from directly in front of the posts.
An early lead for the Springboks and you can’t say they don’t deserve that.
Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Stade Velodrome
17:01 , Ben Fleming
"A start that will worry Scotland despite that Manie Libbok miss. Scotland had hoped to put a habit of being slow out of the blocks behind them, but the opening kick-off was dropped, Finn Russell's first clearance was charged down and their opening chance with ball in hand went nowhere.
“Clear intent from South Africa to flood bodies into the breakdown to try and stymie Scottish ball."
MISSED PENALTY! South Africa 0-0 Scotland, (Libbok, 11 mins)
17:00 , Ben Fleming
And the pressure from the Springbok scrum tells. An early penalty for South Africa and a chance to get some points on the board...but missed! That won’t settle Libbok’s nerves one bit and that’s a bad miss from the South African number 10.
South Africa 0-0 Scotland, 8 mins
16:57 , Ben Fleming
Another staple of the South African game is their desire to kick high. It will be a busy day for Kinghorn at full-back and the Scot drops an early high ball, knocking it on and giving South Africa another chance from the scrum.
South Africa 0-0 Scotland, 6 mins
16:56 , Ben Fleming
Some early signs of South Africa’s physicality and it brings about the game’s first scrum. Scotland do well to hold on to the ball and prepare the ball for the backs but there’s more swarming defence from the Springboks.
Perhaps too quick, though, as Kitshoff gives away a penalty at the breakdown and Scotland have a reprieve and a chance to gain some territory.
South Africa 0-0 Scotland, 2 mins
16:51 , Ben Fleming
Some early pressure from the Springboks as Mostert charges down Russell’s attempted clearance. Thankfully for the fly-half, it flies out of touch and Scotland can regroup before clearing at the second attempt.
KICK-OFF! South Africa 0-0 Scotland
16:49 , Ben Fleming
South Africa get us underway in this first half!
Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Stade Velodrome
16:33 , Ben Fleming
Just over ten minutes until kick-off. One final update before we get started from The Independent’s man in the stadium:
"The stadium looks much fuller than at this stage yesterday. Scotland's forwards packed down for a couple of pre-match scrums, bracing for the battle with the Boks up front - can Gregor Townsend's side get set-piece parity and allow their swashbucklers to test the edges of this South African defence?"
Stuart Hogg: Scotland can cause a stir in wide open Rugby World Cup
16:15 , Ben Fleming
In his first column of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, writing exclusively for The Independent Premium, the Scotland and Lions legend Stuart Hogg tips his nation to pull off some upsets in a tough pool... and reveals the defensive secrets behind their revival
With half an hour until kick-off, why not have a read of the former Scottish international’s thoughts on his nation’s hopes in this World Cup.
You can sign up for access here:
Stuart Hogg column: Scotland can cause a stir in wide open Rugby World Cup
More problems for fans trying to get into the stadium
16:14 , Ben Fleming
Some gates do appear to be flowing more easily. This stand was where many England fans faced heavy queues yesterday, but people appear to be flowing in a bit easier today.
All a bit of a lottery, it would appear.
More problems for fans trying to get into the stadium
16:08 , Ben Fleming
More frustrating reports are beginning to come in from fans trying to attend the game today in Marseille.
Yesterday evening, many England fans were unable to get inside the stadium in time for kick-off due to lengthy queues at the gates into the stadium.
Tournament organisers had announced they were deploying more volunteers but the queues are here in Marseille once again.
"We’ve been sent on a 20 minute walk all the way around the stadium and there are hundreds of people in a chaotic queue," one spectator outside the Veledrome said.
“You can’t get in any other gate even though there are loads that are quiet.”
South Africa vs Scotland line-ups
16:05 , Ben Fleming
Scotland have strengthened their scrum and made one back-line change from the 33-6 win over Georgia at Murrayfield as Zander Fagerson and Pierre Schoeman take over at prop from WP Nel and Jamie Bhatti respectively, with George Turner in at hooker in place of Dave Cherry. Veteran Richie Gray, who competed at the 2011 and 2015 World Cups but missed out on Japan four years ago, returns in the second row in place of Sam Skinner and former Australia international Jack Dempsey is picked ahead of Matt Fagerson at the base of the scrum
Blair Kinghorn at full back in place of Ollie Smith is the only other change meaning the centre combination of Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu continues.
Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from Marseille
15:55 , Ben Fleming
"Stuart Hogg, who has joined The Independent as a columnist for the tournament, is at the Stade Velodrome working on World Rugby's broadcast, and has been reacquainting himself with a couple of members of the Scottish staff pitchside, hearty hugs and backslaps from the recently retired full back.
“Finn Russell is working through his warm-up routines, lining up a couple of kicks of goal, before hurrying over to give his old mate an embrace."
South Africa vs Scotland line-ups
15:52 , Ben Fleming
With just under an hour to go, let’s have a reminder of the line-ups for this afternoon’s clash:
South Africa XV: Damian Willemse; Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe; Manie Libbok, Faf de Klerk; Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx, Frans Malherbe; Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert; Siya Kolisi, Peter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese
Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Duane Vermeulen, Grant Williams, Willie le Roux
Scotland XV: Blair Kinghorn; Darcy Graham, Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, Duhan van der Merwe; Finn Russell, Ben White; Pierre Schoeman, George Turner, Zander Fagerson, Richie Gray, Grant Gilchrist, Jamie Ritchie (captain), Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey,
Replacements: Dave Cherry, Jamie Bhatti, WP Nel, Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson, Ali Price, Cameron Redpath, Ollie Smith
Evolved South Africa side bid to retain Rugby World Cup – but one factor might prevent them
15:42 , Ben Fleming
A more emphatic declaration of World Cup intent there could not have been. As the All Blacks hauled themselves off the Twickenham pitch, battered, bruised and beaten by a record margin, South Africa were already looking at what was next. A fortnight before the tournament, and four years on from a triumph that united a nation, the world champion Springboks were back in business and had their eyes fixed squarely on a World Cup prize.
The 36-7 win counted for nothing tangible in the context of the tournament to come but the message was clear.
Ireland and France may have risen to form a leading quartet of contenders but the Webb Ellis Cup will not be prized easily out of South Africa’s hands.
Can the defending champions retain the trophy? Find out below:
Evolved South Africa can retain World Cup – but one factor might prevent them
Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from Marseille
15:14 , Ben Fleming
The Independent’s man on the ground is ready and waiting for this afternoon’s fixture. He sends this in:
“Bonjour from Marseille, where thankfully there's a bit of a breeze to cool the spectators as they begin to make their way into the Stade Velodrome.
“After the chaos before England-Argentina last night, the tournament organisers have announced they will be deploying more volunteers and reminding spectators to enter via the right gate - the early indications are positive, with a smooth flow in through the gate that was overwhelmed last night.
“South African fans tend to like to get into grounds early, and there are plenty of Springboks shirts inside the ground already, with a few streaks of Scottish tartan, too."
George Ford plays the pragmatist as England finally come to the boil in Marseille cauldron
15:12 , Ben Fleming
Finally, last night it was the turn of England as they faced off against Argentina in the Stade Velodrome.
After months of toil and trouble, it took a Marseille cauldron for England to find their magic brew. It may not prove the elixir of Rugby World Cup life but on a night that threatened disaster after Tom Curry’s third-minute sending off at a bubbling Stade Velodrome, England came to the boil.
The win was an odd concoction, a convincing final margin even with Argentina scoring the encounter’s only try two minutes from time. It was a night for leaders, and England’s stood up. Courtney Lawes led the defensive effort, Manu Tuilagi and Maro Itoje were back to their best. But it was George Ford, playing the pragmatist, who took control to kick England to a faith-restoring victory.
Read Harry Latham-Coyle’s report of England’s 27-10 win below:
Ford plays the pragmatist as England finally come to the boil in Marseille cauldron
Japan vs Chile full-time
14:20 , Ben Fleming
We’ve reached full-time in the earlier kick-off as, in the end, Japan romp home to a 42-12 victory against World Cup debutants Chile. Two late tries from Nakamura and Dearns in the final ten minutes extended the margin of victory for Japan but it was an impressive showing from the South American side in their first game.
Japan next face England in Bordeaux on September 17th, while Chile take on Samoa the day prior, also in Bordeaux.
Rugby World Cup 2023 squad guide: Players, fixtures and more
12:00 , Mike Jones
The Rugby World Cup starts on September 8 when host nation France take on New Zealand, in a match set to kick-start a thrilling competition.
An unbalanced draw sets up intrigue where sides other than the favourites of Ireland, France, New Zealand and South Africa could go further into the tournament than expected.
Here is a full guide to all the squads taking part in the tournament in France.
Rugby World Cup 2023 squad guide: Players, fixtures and more
Stuart Hogg: Scotland can cause a stir in wide open Rugby World Cup
11:45 , Mike Jones
I’m massively excited for the World Cup. After announcing my retirement, this is the first opportunity I’ve ever had to be a genuine fan of rugby and see everything the tournament has to offer. A World Cup only comes around every four years. Everyone has been going hammer and tongs, knocking lumps out of each other to get to where they want to be.
There’s going to be an incredible amount of excitement and support across France. It’s a chance for rugby to really grow and show what a great sport it is. Admittedly, it has been struggling slightly – look at the Gallagher Premiership with three teams going bust. Rugby isn’t in a fantastic place by any stretch of the imagination, but this is a brilliant opportunity to put it back on the biggest stage and show what it is really about.
I’ve had so many different conversations about who is going to qualify from the groups and who is going to win, and every time I do, I change my mind – on everything. Ireland are in with a good chance. I think New Zealand will win the opening game this weekend but that will then galvanise the French to be bigger and better as the tournament goes on.
Stuart Hogg column: Scotland can cause a stir in wide open Rugby World Cup
George Ford plays the pragmatist as England finally come to the boil in Marseille cauldron
11:30 , Mike Jones
After months of toil and trouble, it took a Marseille cauldron for England to find their magic brew. It may not prove the elixir of Rugby World Cup life but on a night that threatened disaster after Tom Curry’s third-minute sending off at a bubbling Stade Velodrome, England came to the boil.
The win was an odd concoction, a convincing final margin even with Argentina scoring the encounter’s only try two minutes from time. It was a night for leaders, and England’s stood up. Courtney Lawes led the defensive effort, Manu Tuilagi and Maro Itoje were back to their best. But it was George Ford, playing the pragmatist, who took control to kick England to a faith-restoring victory.
Ford’s 27 points came from nine strikes of his right boot, three drop goals, six from the tee. English fly halves tend to enjoy the World Cup stage, and Ford’s performance here was a display of command, correctness and clarity. Not all ills are cured, clearly, but how England needed this sort of showing, their fire finally burning in the south of France heat.
Ford plays the pragmatist as England finally come to the boil in Marseille cauldron
Evolved South Africa side bid to retain Rugby World Cup – but one factor might prevent them
11:15 , Mike Jones
A more emphatic declaration of World Cup intent there could not have been. As the All Blacks hauled themselves off the Twickenham pitch, battered, bruised and beaten by a record margin, South Africa were already looking at what was next. A fortnight before the tournament, and four years on from a triumph that united a nation, the world champion Springboks were back in business and had their eyes fixed squarely on a World Cup prize.
The 36-7 win counted for nothing tangible in the context of the tournament to come but the message was clear.
Ireland and France may have risen to form a leading quartet of contenders but the Webb Ellis Cup will not be prized easily out of South Africa’s hands.
Evolved South Africa can retain World Cup – but one factor might prevent them
How Scotland can overcome cruel luck to thrive at Rugby World Cup
11:00 , Mike Jones
Pessimism can sometimes seem to come a little too naturally to Scottish rugby fans, a certain fatalism worn almost as a badge of honour after too many days of disappointment and dejection, of squandered opportunities and wondering what might have been.
It perhaps feels somewhat appropriate, then, for Gregor Townsend to have assembled perhaps the finest side in the nation’s long rugby history and still know a second successive World Cup pool stage effort is on the cards if the tournament goes to form. Plenty has already been written about the lopsided draw but it feels particularly cruel to the Scots, inarguably among the top five sides in the world but drawn together with two of the four top favourites in the pool.
Townsend’s band of history makers have risen to new heights over these last four years, turning Calcutta Cup hope almost into expectation and building further through these last few months. Top to bottom, the likely 23 that will begin the tournament against South Africa in Marseille contains few clear weaknesses.
How Scotland can overcome cruel luck to create World Cup history
South Africa vs Scotland line-ups
10:30 , Mike Jones
South Africa XV: Damian Willemse; Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe; Manie Libbok, Faf de Klerk; Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx, Frans Malherbe; Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert; Siya Kolisi, Peter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese
Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Duane Vermeulen, Grant Williams, Willie le Roux
Scotland XV: Blair Kinghorn; Darcy Graham, Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, Duhan van der Merwe; Finn Russell, Ben White; Pierre Schoeman, George Turner, Zander Fagerson, Richie Gray, Grant Gilchrist, Jamie Ritchie (captain), Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey,
Replacements: Dave Cherry, Jamie Bhatti, WP Nel, Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson, Ali Price, Cameron Redpath, Ollie Smith
