Scotland kick off their Rugby World Cup 2023 campaign this afternoon with a tough test against defending champions South Africa. The Scots know a good start is key with the much-fancied Ireland also in Pool B and will have to be at their best to run out winners at the Stade Velodrome this afternoon.
The Springboks, in an ominous statement ahead of the tournament, made easy work of New Zealand in their final World Cup warm-up game, while Scotland went down narrowly to a strong France side. Victory for either team would put them in a brilliant position to qualify for the quarter-finals.
South Africa have been handed a huge boot with the return of inspirational captain Siya Kolisi, just five months after surgery. Scotland have scrum-half Ben White is fit after an injury scare. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog as the Rugby World Cup continues in Marseille!
Live updates
25min: Libbock straight down the middle. South Africa lead 6-0.
24min: South Africa penalty as Tuipulotu gets hands on the ball. Unnecessary.
22min: They get a warning, no yellows from the ref.
22min: Oh, it’s suddenly all kicking off as White and De Allende go to ground and will not let go. Players rush in and we have a scrap on our hands.
21min: Blood replacement as Marx is replaced by Mbonambi.
19min: Another lineout, another lineout lost by Scotland. They are putting pressure on themselves, going for the toughest option and territory quickly lost.
17min: More boos from this Scotland-heavy crowd as Mostert goes in late on Russell, but the latter is quickly onto his feet to charge at the Springboks.
Some yardage gained, finally.
16min: De Klerk twice clears into Scotland’s 22. South Africa continue to smother the Scots, who can’t get any headway at the moment.
PENALTY!
13min: It’s good from Libbock. South Africa are on the board.
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