Planet Rugby's player-by-player breakdown of Scotland's Nations Championship loss in Pretoria hands out nines to both Finn Russell and Sione Tuipulotu — the two standouts in an otherwise mixed Scottish performance. Tuipulotu led from the front with 72 metres gained, 14 carries and two clean breaks across a full 80 minutes, while Russell's attacking brilliance repeatedly threatened the Springbok defence and kept Scotland competitive for long stretches. Kyle Rowe and Jack Dempsey also earned sevens, and the replacements bench drew collective praise for their energy in the final quarter. The weaker links were Rory Hutchinson and Rory Darge, both rated fives, with Darge having limited impact before being withdrawn at half-time. Pierre Schoeman's scrum struggles early against Wilco Louw drew attention, though he recovered well enough to finish on six.
Scotland player ratings v Springboks: Russell and Tuipulotu shine in 42-28 defeat at Loftus
Tuipulotu and Russell each earn a nine in Planet Rugby's Scottish player ratings from the 42-28 loss at Loftus, with the ratings revealing a clear two-man carrying performance masking a patchy team showing.
- Scotland
- Springboks
- Wilco Louw
- Six Nations Championship
- Loftus Versfeld
Don't be fooled by England's Six Nations finish — this is a genuine test for the Boks
A well-argued warning against Bok fan overconfidence ahead of the Nations Championship opener — England's Six Nations implosion had clear context, their Paris performance suggests they're back, and the Boks' seasonal rust is a real variable. Erasmus's wariness is well-founded.
Rassie Erasmus and Embrose Papier | Springbok team announcement | 6 July 2026
The Springbok team to face Scotland in the second round of the Nations Championship was announced on Monday morning in Johannesburg. Hear from Bok coach Rassie Erasmus and Embrose Papier, who is back in the squad for the first time since 20
Nché injury concern headlining Bok casualty list ahead of Scotland clash at Loftus
Rassie Erasmus is sweating over the fitness of Ox Nché, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and André Esterhuizen ahead of Saturday's Nations Championship match against Scotland at Loftus, after all four picked up injuries during or before the 45-21 win over England at Ellis Park.
Boks remain top but All Blacks close gap to 2.90 points after Nations Championship opener
South Africa stay top of the World Rugby Men's Rankings at 93.94 points but New Zealand have cut the gap to 2.90 after beating France, while Scotland climb to equal their all-time high of fifth following a record 47-38 win over Argentina in Córdoba.
Kolbe reaches 50 caps in style as Boks down England 45-21
Cheslin Kolbe celebrated his 50th Test cap with a try and five conversions in the Springboks' 45-21 Nations Championship win over England, with Damian Willemse also reaching the milestone in the same match.