A bit of concern for Vern Cotter here as star full-back Stuart Hogg is forced off, with Sean Lamont his replacement. 

And Jon Welsh and Peter Horne are on now too, replacing Willem Nel and Richie Vernon.

Image source, AFP

It's almost on the halfway line, but Handre Pollard's effort has the legs and still the Scots are kept at arms' length.

But how often does this happen? David Denton fails to roll away at the base of a ruck following the restart, and Handre Pollard can restore that 10-point advantage almost immediately...

Duncan Weir's kick is a good one and Scotland are back to within a converted try for the second time.

Meanwhile, Ross Ford is on for Fraser Brown at hooker.

Here come the Scots again - and South Africa have infringed at the breakdown for the ninth time in this contest. Indiscipline is beginning to prove costly.

With Greig Laidlaw still on the sidelines, Duncan Weir will go for the posts...

There are only 10 points in it, and South Africa's Handre Pollard has contributed 13 points to his team's total with two conversions, two penalties and a drop goal.

Image source, Opta

"Scoootland, Scoootland, Scoootland..." Does the crowd believe again? Is this really on?

Not just yet, as Fourie du Preez inserts at a scrum for South Africa and Bryan Habana wings his way inside to take the Springboks forward... But the ball goes to ground.

Now another chance for Scotland, as Stuart Hogg dances past the first defender and into space - but his pass is forward! Frantic, frenetic and brilliantly entertaining stuff. 

Ryan Wilson on, Josh Strauss off. For South Africa, Adriaan Strauss replaces Bismarck du Plessis.

Image source, Getty Images

It's bedlam at St James' Park!

Within five minutes of scoring, Scotland have since seen Handre Pollard drop for goal and now Greig Laidlaw is in the bin.

Referee Nigel Owens had no option, either, after Laidlaw cynically brings Bryan Habana down as the wing looks to spring clear down the left.

That may turn into a handy three points, you know, as the Springboks pack sets a platform for fly-half Handre Pollard to drop for goal straight in front.

The lead is back to 10.

Scotland spill the restart so South Africa have the put-in at the scrum. Now, Vern Cotter has brought prop Alasdair Dickinson on for Gordon Reid - is he sensing an opportunity to get his big guns into the action?

Image source, Reuters

A bit of controversy as Stuart Hogg goes down following a late challenge after booting the ball clear - but replays show he went tumbling a little easily, and Nigel Owens gives him a trademark ticking off.

South Africa are back on the attack now too, into Scotland's 22...

Scrum-half Greig Laidlaw's kick is a good one and Scotland are back to within a couple of converted tries of South Africa's score.

Image source, Getty Images

Scotland secure the ball and are around eight metres out, only for a crunching tackle from Handre Pollard on Blair Cowan to halt their progress. Wowzer.

There's another Springboks infringement in the middle of it all, however, and this time Greig Laidlaw will go for goal...

Schalk Burger has been penalised at the breakdown this time - but do Scotland take the points or go to the corner? To the corner it is!

A reminder, too, that the Springboks are still down to 14 men with Jannie du Plessis in the bin.

It's Duncan Weir's turn to start the second period, and the stocky Scotland fly-half kicks long, before Willie le Roux slices straight into touch.

Come on then, let's get cracking. The players are back out, the punters are slowly making their way back into their seats and referee Nigel Owens is moments away from getting us moving again.

Image source, Opta

Here are the half-time territory and possession stats, and they don't make for brilliant reading if you're Scottish - particularly from a territory point of view.