Scots stun Boks

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Durban - The Springboks' quest for their European Grand Slam glory was dashed after being defeated by Scotland on Saturday.

The Scots ended a seven-test losing streak to the world champions by beating them 21-17 at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

Only a week before, the Scots suffered a 49-3 annihilation at the hands of the All Blacks.

In Scotland's gusty victory, flyhalf Dan Parks scored all of the points with six penalties and a drop goal.

South African replacement flanker Willem Alberts scored a late try to add to Morne Steyn's four penalties.

Steyn gave the Boks a 6-0 lead in the early part of the game but the Scots fought back with some impressive physical exchanges and by the 15th minute Parks ensured the score read 3-6.

Scotland were then boosted to a 12-6 led with Parks's drop-goal and two more penalties.

In trying conditions, the Boks did strike back after Steyn successfully took a penalty before half-time.

It was up to the Bulls star to once again work his magic to get the scores level early in the second half.

Parks then put his team ahead 15-12 after the Boks conceded a penalty, and 10 minutes later the Scots increased their lead by a further three points.

The Scots - with just over ten minutes to go - led 21-12 after Juan Smith was penalised.

Alberts gave the Boks faint hope with his try bringing the score to 21-17. But Patrick Lambie, who replaced the reliable Steyn, missed the conversion after kicking the ball wide.

The South Africans will no doubt be playing for pride next Saturday when they meet England. They have thus far recorded wins against Ireland and Wales.