South Africa proved that, like South Korea, they have at least half-a-dozen attacking players who habitually perform eye-catching, athletic and effective tricks with the ball.
But the most encouraging aspect of Scotland?s response was that at several intervals of the game it had seemed likely that they would secure that cherished reward.
Scotland carved out a close call in the 25th minute when Gareth Williams made his way forward, and Allan Johnston played Maurice Ross into space on the left with a first-time flick.