Springboks Face Experienced Scotland Team In Nations Championship

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Pieter-Steph du Toit made it clear on Friday that Scotland will provide a stern test when the sides meet in their second Nations Championship clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The pair also hope to make it a memorable occasion for Rassie Erasmus, who will become the most-capped Springbok head coach of all time when he takes charge of his 55th Test.

The match kicks off at 17:40 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Both Stick and Du Toit were full of praise for Erasmus, speaking with admiration about his impact as both a coach and a person.

“You can’t ask for a better man than Rassie,” said Stick.

“We are very proud of what he’s achieved, not just for us, but for the country. He genuinely cares about the people of South Africa, and as a team, we’ve been through tough times together, but he cares about everyone in the team environment.

“Reaching this milestone of becoming the most-capped Springbok head coach is very special. It’s also great that his family is here to celebrate with him this week, so I’m happy for him, and hopefully we can make Saturday special.”

Du Toit, who captained the Springboks in Erasmus’ first Test as head coach in 2018, echoed those sentiments.

“I’ll always remember the excitement from the day I met Rassie,” said Du Toit.

“He always comes up with a plan and gives us the opportunity to build on it and find something that can give us an edge. That’s always been part of his approach, and it’s awesome to be part of this occasion with him.”

Looking ahead to the challenge posed by the world’s fifth-ranked side, Stick highlighted Scotland’s attacking quality and physicality.

“They’ve got a very skilful backline and a physical loose trio that is focused on generating momentum.

“Finn Russell is one of the best playmakers in the world, and their centres are excellent too. They also have a dangerous back three, and Kyle Steyn knows us well as South Africans. He understands our DNA and has been playing well for them.

“So, it will be a tough game. They’ll try to keep the ball in play and challenge us in the wider channels.”

With Scotland naming an experienced matchday squad to face a relatively inexperienced Springbok side, Stick and Du Toit welcomed the challenge.

“First and foremost, we have belief in these players,” Stick said.

“All of them have performed well for their franchises and deserve this opportunity. They also worked extremely hard, especially during our conditioning camps in June, and the younger players bring a different energy.

“We always want to build squad depth, so we’re not a team that relies on one group of players. It’s about believing in everyone in the squad, and when the opportunity presents itself, Rassie is never afraid to back them.

“The guys are excited, and I hope we can give the people of Pretoria a good show.”

Although Du Toit will be the most experienced player in the matchday 23, he said the responsibility motivates rather than burdens him.

“It doesn’t put pressure on me; it excites me even more,” said Du Toit, who is set to earn his 97th Test cap.

“I remember being one of the younger guys with that same excitement. When you play for the Springboks at Loftus, you’ve got so much energy and you want to prove a point. A player with that mindset can be dangerous because he’ll do anything for the team.”

Du Toit said he was honoured to captain the Springboks again and believes the experience he has gained over the years has prepared him for the role.

“We’ve got a good system, and it guides us wherever we go,” he said.

“Personally, I’ve been here for a number of years now, and I’ve learned from Siya (Kolisi) and the captains before him, so there’s nothing extra expected of me. It’s simply about doing what’s required on the field and leading by example.”