Rugby
Boks confident heading into Scotland Test week─── MORGAN PIEK 09:10 Mon, 04 Nov 2024
The Springboks have arrived in Edinburgh for the first Test week on their end-of-year tour to the United Kingdom.
The Springboks had been preparing in Jersey for the past week before turning their attention to Scotland.
The back-to-back World Champions jetted off to Scotland on Sunday and they are confident that they are all on the same page as they target an unbeaten end-of-year tour.
The big trick for the Springboks was to get all the players back on the same page following time at their respective franchises across the world. The Scots will be tough to roll over at home, but the Springboks are confident they can get the job done.
The Boks have held their cards very close to their chest regarding team selection, however, it will come as no surprise if they go with their strongest available team, with a debut on the cards.
The Scots themselves will be very confident following their convincing 57-17 win against Fiji on Saturday. That said, the last time these two teams met was during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France when South Africa claimed an 18-3 victory.
The Bulls prop, Wilco Louw, who could play in his first Test since 2017, said they are tuned in for a tough Test. “We had a good training week in Jersey,” said the colossal tighthead prop who received a call-up following an injury to Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx and Steven Kitshoff. Photo: Ashley Vlotman
“It offered us a great opportunity to align as a squad after everyone returned from their franchises and clubs, so we’re really excited about the week ahead here in Scotland.”
“We’re definitely where we want to be going into the tour after having a chance to get on the same page and focus on the match against Scotland next week.
‘We know it’s going to be challenging, but we’re looking forward to it’
“The last week was tough, but good, and we’re in a good space. Everyone knows what our objectives are, which is important because it’s going to be a tough game against Scotland.
“They kept the team busy in the Rugby World Cup pool match last year, so we know it’s going to be challenging, but we’re looking forward to it.”
Sunday’s Test between the Thistles and Springboks at the iconic Murrayfield kicks off at 18:10.
