Always a great atmosphere.

Murrayfield Stadium was the venue for Scotland v South Africa in Autumn Nations Cup this afternoon. Scotland had a great win here last week against Australia. This was different! South Africa played the sort of game they’re known for and showed again they’re World champions for a reason. Scotland were leading 10-8 at half time; expensive points lost in 10 minutes after half time, and some indiscipline and several missed kicks, contributed to final score of 15-30.

As a family we went to Murrayfield for so many years. We were at the last Scotland victory over South Africa 11 years ago - it was a great family event and rugby day. A South Africa fan swapped his Springboks flag for our older sons’ Saltire - and it was subsequently displayed on his bedroom wall for years. After that game we went to see my wife’s late father in hospital. He’d a South African consultant - my older son reminded me this morning that we’d had a bit of good natured banter with him during the visit! “The current team truly speaks to the whole South African nation now” said Brian Habana in media today. I hope he’s right, but sadly suspect he’s not, although things are better. Either way, there’s no place for apartheid.

Younger son joined us to watch the game on TV. He’s a great analyst. He played some golf beforehand - first since his rugby injury.

COP26 concluded this evening. I watched the last stages including the late intervention from India (coal - phasing out to phasing down) which had some significant implications for the final outcome.