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Scotland suffered their biggest ever dose of World Cup heartbreak -- almost three years before the tournament even kicks off -- with a narrow 14-10 defeat to South Africa on Saturday.
They needed a victory over the holders at Murrayfield to safeguard their place in the top eight in the global pecking order.
But the glee induced by a 10-0 interval lead turned to grief as the Springboks shook off their jitters to snatch a clear-cut success.
As a result, the Scots will not be among the main seeds in next month's draw for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand and will be pitched into a group with two of the game's giants.
And that will severely endanger their record of having never failed to make it into the quarter finals.
It could all have been so different had Scotland not missed a spate of goal kicks, but at least they broke their 14-month long home-turf try duck.
The Scots were under instant pressure when their opening clearance kick was charged down.
They were reprieved, however, as three South Africans illegally plunged to the deck at the next ruck.
There was a further let-off for the hosts when World Cup scoring sensation Bryan Habana spilled a pass during the next raid.
The Springboks were forced to rejig their front row as a result of hooker Bismarck du Plessis hobbling off with hamstring trouble.
Skipper John Smit moved to No2, while his tighthead slot was filled by Brian Mujati.
Scotland also had to embark on a reshuffle exercise as Chris Paterson and Phil Godman were replaced by Hugo Southwell and Dan Parks.
Having weathered the early storm, the Scots were looking more of a threat and they had the chance to break the deadlock when Schalk Burger floored Ross Ford with a dangerous tackle.
But the anticipation of the home crowd turned to dismay as they watched Parks' effort screw past the near post.
Scotland v South Africa Tickets - 175£
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