The Scots, who earlier this year recorded RBS Six Nations victories over France, England and Italy, were brought back down to earth by a powerful Springboks performance at the ABSA Stadium.

The visitors were immediately on the back foot when South Africa pounced on the kick off by Glasgow's Dan Parks before sparking a spell of attacking that saw them take the lead via a penalty from through former Dragons star Percy Montgomery

Edinburgh's Chris Paterson levelled the scores with a penalty of his own a few minutes later but for the remainder of the half the hosts dominated possession and territory and also the scoring.

Flanker Schalk Burger was the first to cross for the Springboks and that was followed a minute later by another from Breyton Paulse, the first of which was converted by Montgomery.

Paterson pulled three points back with another penalty on the half hour mark but that was cancelled out before the break by Montgomery.

The Scotland fullback offered his side further hope after the re-start with his third successful penalty but it was to be one of only a few highlights for Frank Hadden's side.

Andre Snyman crossed for the next try before the game was an hour old and again it was converted by Montgomery who then slotted another penalty before adding a try to his personal tally.

He failed to convert his try but heaped further woe on the Scots with another penalty as the game entered the last ten minutes.

Edinburgh's Simon Webster, on as a replacement, grabbed a consolation score for Scotland in the dying moments that Paterson converted to take his match tally to 11 points.

The two sides meet again next weekend.  

South Africa (18) 36.
Tries: Burger, Paulse, Snyman, Montgomery
Cons: Montgomery 2.
Pens: Montgomery 4.

Scotland (6) 16.
Tries: Webster
Cons: Paterson
Pens: Paterson 3.