PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) 鈥� World champion South Africa survived an impressively stubborn Scotland 42-28 in a thrilling Nations Championship contest at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The Springboks led 14-0 and 35-14 but had to withstand relentless Scotland attacks which frequently backed up the home side into its 22.
South Africa missed a remarkable 46 tackles but Scotland lacked a clinical touch and kept letting the host off the hook.
Scotland fought back to tie the match 14-14 by halftime and close to 35-28 with 10 minutes to go. It had a four-try bonus point and was within another converted try.
Then another Scot was suddenly running into space, Magnus Bradbury. Tom Jordan sent a kickpass toward the right touchline but wing Kyle Steyn spilled it under pressure.
Almost inevitably, Handre Pollard put a grubber in behind Scotland that was scooped up by center Jesse Kriel, who bumped off two Scots to secure victory with three minutes left.
The Boks are two for two in the championship with Wales coming next weekend, while Scotland go home to face Fiji consoled with its most points against South Africa since the 1999 Rugby World Cup.
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