Public Reactions to Scotland’s Autumn Nations Series Match Against South Africa

We sought public opinions regarding Scotland’s 15-32 defeat to South Africa in the Autumn Nations Series. Here is a selection of the feedback received: Ben commented: ‘Very proud of the performance today, thought we really stepped up to the best team in the world. But in order to win, we needed to play a nine or 10 out of 10 game, and get some luck with referee decisions and the bounce of the ball, which we did not. We did a lot well, but ultimately South Africa showed why they are the best team in the world right now.’ James observed: ‘A deserved win for South Africa but hope for Scotland. A good second-half period where a try would have made it closer but too many errors with ball-in-hand. South Africa’s power and pressure told at the end. A true Test match.’ Johny remarked: ‘Scotland really fronted up against the relentless South African pace and power and, with some slightly better decision making, could have got a couple of tries.’ Kaya, a Bok fan, shared: ‘Bok fan here. Scotland were ferocious at the breakdown, very physical and collectively smart to knock the Boks back. South Africa were not clinical enough for large chunks, but at the end we managed to close it out. Eben Etzebeth said the game was a lot closer than the score shows. The Scots are a very intelligent and hard-working team, very well coached.’ Michael stated: ‘Another so near, yet so far from Scotland. The decision to kick points was laudable and showed maturity, but the lack of ambition for the final penalty under the posts was costly – South Africa were there to be beaten at the point. That absence of killer instinct shows how far we are from winning these serious Test matches.’ Matthew noted: ‘Once again, basic errors cost us try-scoring opportunities. We should have got a couple of tries. The ref didn’t really help, but ultimately, it was the errors that cost the game. We need to target winning the Six Nations, with Andy Farrell away with the Lions next year, it’s probably going to be our best chance.’ MoLambo concluded: ‘A scoreline that flatters South Africa. A highly positive performance by Scotland. Very little of ‘Finn the Magician’ but the team were perhaps all the better for it tonight. Frustrating handling errors and, arguably some controversial refereeing decisions but a leviathan effort by the team!’