Scotland blew a 10-0 half-time lead and the chance of a famous scalp as world champions South Africa hit back and then held on to win a thrilling match at Murrayfield.

Nathan Hines scored his country's first try at home for 14 months, and Phil Godman kicked five points before the break. But the Springboks replied with 14 unanswered points after half-time through a Jaque Fourie try and the boot of Ruan Pienaar.

Today's defeat also all but guaranteed Scotland will face a horrible draw for the 2011 World Cup. Victory would have catapulted the home side into the top eight of the world rankings and retained for them second-seed status.