South Africa was so much better here than the side that somehow lost that opening game to Japan and drubbed Scotland to take over at the top of World Cup Pool B.

This resurgence conquered a Scotland team that battled admirably but still appeared to be holding something back for what was always likely to be the decisive encounter for them in this Pool; that concluding game against Samoa back at the same venue next weekend.

Scotland were ultimately hindered by weaknesses in key areas; by a midfield pairing that had played little more than an hour of rugby together; by front and back rows seriously lacking the experience of their South African rivals and a fly-half playing only his second test in 15 months.

Schalk Burger and JP Pietersen crashed over in a first half dominated by the powerful Springboks.
The Scots struggled to make inroads until a Duncan Weir interception led to a thrilling Tommy Seymour try.

But the cool kicking of Handre Pollard kept South Africa at a safe distance and Bryan Habana added a late score to reflect the gulf in quality.

The Springboks, twice World Cup winners, signalled that their campaign is back on track with a bludgeoning display of brute force after their shock opening loss to Japan.