Centers Jones and captain Sione Tuipulotu, fullback Tom Jordan and Russell conjured brilliant attacks that tore apart the South Africans and brought Murrayfield to its feet. But they couldn’t complete the last pass.

Scotland put in one of their best performances in years to match world champions South Africa for 70 minutes, said coach Gregor Townsend, who hailed his side’s fight and determination while he also rued some decisions against his side at Murrayfield.

Whereas Scotland beat Fiji last week in their first Autumn test, South Africa's last outing in the international arena was a dominant 48-7 win over Argentina in the Rugby Championship on 28 September. "They haven't had that 80 minutes," Care added. "They are the best team in the world, but sometimes you need to get that game into your legs."

Join Daniel Gallan for updates as the Springboks head to Murrayfield.   15:45 With Wales losing to Fiji, Scotland are the only European side to beat a southern hemisphere outfit in five Tests this Autumn.

The Springboks, who also scored tries through prop Thomas du Toit and number eight Jasper Wiese, will regain the world number one ranking from Ireland with the victory. They made 11 changes for the match and looked disjointed, not helped by 21 handling errors that broke their momentum.

Scotland player ratings: Scotland slipped to a ninth successive defeat against South Africa, and a fourth under Gregor Townsend, as the world champions proved too strong at Murrayfield. The Scots were left aggrieved at an early 20-minute red card for lock Scott Cummings, with the offence looking no more than a penalty at worst.