Ruthless Springboks beat Scotland at Murrayfield

EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — Clinical South Africa gave another great defensive display to beat Scotland 32-15 at Murrayfield on Sunday.

The scoreline flattered South Africa but the world champion will regain the No. 1 ranking when it’s updated on Monday.

Scotland closed to within four points of the Springboks during a third-quarter purple patch but rushes of blood and the visitors’ scramble defense prevented the try that the home side desperately wanted and needed.

The Scots, restricted to five Finn Russell penalties, also didn’t score a try in their Rugby World Cup pool match in Marseille 14 months ago.

South Africa expertly shut out Scotland in the last quarter, with its scrum dominating, the benefit of putting almost a whole new pack on the park in the second half. Stand-in captain Eben Etzebeth was the only forward to play through.

The Springboks chose a 7-1 bench packed with forwards for the first time since the World Cup final to keep their powder dry for England, the main target of their British tour, next weekend.