After their punishing 22-51 defeat to New Zealand last weekend Robinson saw a second-half fightback against the South Africans but they were undone by a bullying first-half which left them 14-3 down at half-time.

Replacement scrum-half Henry Pyrgos was a particular high point for the Scots as his try energised the Scottish forwards who began to make up ground on their Southern Hemisphere opponents.

But ahead of their next match against Tonga Robinson is determined for his men, who failed to taste victory in this year’s RBS 6 Nations, to respond physically.

“We've got a lot to learn in improving defence and in attack, particularly physically,” he said.

“I felt they bullied us a little in the first half. They didn't have to do a lot to win the game because we gave them field position from penalties.

“They scored from a maul which makes me very, very angry and then from an interception.

“Next week against Tonga we need a performance to put together the lessons they've learned from the first two games.”

Glasgow Warriors number nine Pyrgos, who was making only his second appearance for his country, came through with a training-ground try as he burst through after a tap-back from Kelly Brown.

And despite the 23-year-old’s delight at scoring he admitted that after four defeats on the bounce at Murrayfield the next game was a must win.

“The try came off beautifully but we are all massively disappointed with the result," Pyrgos said. “It's a game we should have got more out of.

“There were times when we didn't hold on to the ball when we needed to and we weren't accurate enough at the breakdown.

“It was very quick and physical - a definite step up for me. But you just go back to what you know and try to concentrate on the things you can do well.

“The crowd has been amazing for both games at Murrayfield and we are disappointed for them. It's going to be a huge week of training for Tonga. We need to go and get the win.”