But, while admitting that Scotland deserved their 21-6 victory, under fire Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli told the BBC that he will tell his players that their performance was not acceptable.

It was Scotland's first win over South Africa since 1969 and Bulloch said: "It was a huge achievement for us.

"We have been looking to beat one of the big guns and South Africa are definitely that.

Scottish rugby, at both club and international level, has in recent seasons been in crisis.

But the Borders, Edinburgh and Glasgow have held their own better in the Celtic League and in European competition this season.

Now the national side has achieved what they hope is a milestone result and Bulloch said: "We have more belief these days.

"We know we have good players and just have to show it on the day."

Winger Nikki Walker made his debut in last weekend's victory over Romania and followed up with one of Scotland's two tries against South Africa.

"It is a dream to beat South Africa in my second game," he said.

"I am unbeaten in my two appearances and hopefully we can keep it up and hopefully I have done enough to keep my place for next week's game against Fiji.

"We have been confident all week, having seen France beat South Africa, but it was a bit nervous at the end. I was just wanting the final whistle to go."

Straeuli admitted that he has a lot of hard work to do to lift his side for next weekend's meeting with in-form England at Twickenham.

"We didn't play tactically well and Scotland kicked their penalties and scored their tries.

"When we had them under pressure, we did not score.

"One of their tries was difficult to see, but all credit to Scotland, they deserved to win.

"It hurts to lose, but we've got to take something from this and stand up. It is a big week for us before the England game."

With next year's World Cup in Australia looming ever closer, the Springbok coach needs his side to show a massive improvement if calls for his resignation are not to reach a crescendo back home in South Africa.